Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Anita Job, a businesswoman and mother of three, to 27 years in prison for her involvement in illicit drug trafficking within the Federal Capital Territory.
The convict was found guilty on Friday on two charges brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). She received a 12-year term for the first count and a 15-year term for the second.
However, taking into account her remorseful behavior during the trial, her status as a first-time offender, and her guilty plea that saved the court’s time, the judge ordered the sentences to run concurrently. As a result, Job will serve only 15 years behind bars.
Justice Yilwa emphasized the seriousness of drug crimes, noting the severe impact on Nigeria and the international community. She was particularly concerned that the convict possessed 250 kilograms of illicit drugs, which constitutes a commercial quantity.
Job’s lawyer, Barrister D. I. Badams, urged the court to show leniency, highlighting the convict’s pledge to abstain from drug-related activities in the future.