A Lagos business man, ORA ARINZE, alleged to have attempted to export 300 grammes of Cocaine to Congo Brazzaville has been sentenced to two and half years’ imprisonment after he was arraigned before a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The charge as filed before the court by the NDLEA prosecuting counsel, Bsrrister Bibiana Anagu, stated thus:
“That you, ORA ARINZE, Male, Adult, on or about the 11th day of September, 2024 during the examination and clearing of cargo for export to Congo Brazzaville at SAHCO Export Shed, a Custom Area of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, lkeja-Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, exported 300 grammes of Cocaine and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, CAP N30,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
Eagle eyed NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Lagos airport on 11 September had intercepted some cartons of auto spare parts and Checkers Powder Custard going to Congo Brazzaville on Ethiopian Airlines.
A diligent search of the cargo led to the discovery of the 300 grams of cocaine concealed in the containers of Checkers Powder Custard packed together with some auto parts.
A follow up operation led to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, Arinze Ora, who deals in auto parts at Shop 12, Block 7 Aspanda Trade Fair Auto Parts Wing, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.
Upon arraignment and the charge read to him, the spare parts dealer pleaded guilty. Consequently, his lawyer urged the court to temper Justice with mercy as the convict was a first offender and he did not waste the time of the court by pleading guilty.
Thereafter the convict was sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment.