Court convicts skit maker ‘D General’ of drug trafficking
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday convicted social media comedian, Joshua Sunday also known as ‘D General’ of drug trafficking.
‘D General’, who is also a social media influencer, was dragged to court by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside Caleb William, a cinematographer.
Delivering judgement, Justice Daniel Osiagor held that the volume of substance was minimal and would rather convict the defendants and caution them, rather than sentence them.
The court consequently convicted the defendants and cautioned them to “go and sin no more”.
Both defendants, 22, were charged with three counts of trafficking Tramadol and Cannabis Sativa, to which they both pleaded guilty.
After their pleas, the prosecutor, Jeremiah Aernan, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered evidence before the court through an NDLEA exhibit keeper, Lucky Oghaifu.
Among the evidence tendered include statements of the defendants, drug analysis form, certificate of test analysis, request for scientific aid form, packaging of substance form among others.
He urged the court to be guided by the provisions of Section 356(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and convict the defendants based on their pleas as well as evidence adduced by the prosecution.
According to the charge, the defendants were said to have committed the offence on January 12.
The prosecutor said the offence contravenes the provision of Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
In response, the defence counsel, Lilian Omotunde, urged the court to consider other options besides sentencing the defendants, on the grounds that the defendants were still at their prime and could still be useful to society.
During interrogations by the court, the defendants told the court that they had never tasted drugs.
They told the court that the substances were used as props for their comedy skit, which they were in the process of shooting before their arrest.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Anti-Corruption
Tinubu continued Nigeria’s massive corruption by appointing treasury looter Atiku Bagudu to cabinet: U.S. Govt
“We must ensure that all the other 15 aspirants must come together to ensure we win the November 16 election,” said the Ondo governor.
Rights
Lagos software engineer gets life imprisonment for raping 13-year-old girl
Mr Oshodi also held that the alibi and the issue of extortion, which the convict relied on, did not hold water.
States
Demographic Survey: NPC says 22 of 25 LGAs in Oyo covered
The National Population Commission says it has concluded the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in 22 of 25 LGAs in Oyo.
Economy
Speaker Abbas laments challenges in power sector
He said this on Tuesday at a two-day workshop organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Power in Abuja.
Politics
Other aspirants are winners too but I’m APC flag bearer: Gov Aiyedatiwa
“We must ensure that all the other 15 aspirants must come together to ensure we win the November 16 election,” said the Ondo governor.
World
Israeli drone kills Hezbollah member in south Lebanon
The Iran-backed militia confirmed the death of both fighters.