A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced Nollywood filmmaker Mbadiwe Emeka, 40, to five years in prison for trafficking 17.30 kilograms of Canada Loud, a high-grade strain of Cannabis Sativa.
The substance is classified as a narcotic, similar to cocaine, heroin, and LSD.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa delivered the ruling after Emeka pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful drug importation, as charged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Authorities arrested Emeka on December 24, 2024, during an inspection of incoming cargo at the National Handling Company Import Shed, located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos.
The illicit shipment, transported under Airway Bill No. 00637337285, originated from Houston, USA.
According to NDLEA prosecutor Abu Ibrahim, Emeka had arranged for an associate, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, to facilitate the illegal importation. The charges against him were based on violations of multiple sections of the NDLEA Act.
Following his guilty plea, the prosecution presented evidence to the court. In his defense, Emeka’s lawyer, Dennis Warri, pleaded for leniency, emphasizing his client’s remorse and early admission of guilt. Warri requested either a non-custodial sentence or a fine as an alternative punishment.
Considering all factors, Justice Lewis-Allagoa sentenced Emeka to five years in prison, with an option to pay a N3 million fine in lieu of serving the term. The court also ordered the confiscation of the seized drug and an iPhone 12 Pro Max, which will be forfeited to the Federal Government.