Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Advertising Cannabis Online
A 28-year-old man, Ashiru Idris, has been sentenced to seven years in prison with no option of a fine for advertising cannabis for sale on social media.
The sentence was handed down on 14 July 2026 by Justice S.M. Shuaibu at the Federal High Court in Kano.
The news was shared in a statement on Wednesday by Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the media officer for the Kano command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) today commends the Federal High Court, Kano, for delivering a landmark judgment in a matter arising from public advertisement and sale of cannabis sativa.
“On 22 April 2026, operatives of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, acting on the directive of the State Commander, CN DY Lawal, arrested one Ashiru Idris (m), 28, following the circulation on social media of a video showing him publicly advertising cannabis sativa for sale,” the statement read.
The NDLEA confirmed that the seven-year sentence starts immediately from the date of the court's ruling.
Commenting on the verdict, the head of the NDLEA’s Kano command, Commander DY Lawal, said the sentence sends a clear and strong warning to anyone involved in promoting or dealing illegal drugs.
“This judgment reinforces our resolve to confront drug offenders who brazenly promote illegal substances on public platforms. We will continue to act swiftly on credible leads and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” Lawal said.
The agency also urged the public to support the fight against drug trafficking and abuse by reporting any reliable information to the authorities.
