The Ekiti Police Command has arraigned five individuals at the Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over allegations of possessing Indian hemp, a substance banned under Nigerian law. The defendants—Omotoso Opeyemi, 29; Folorunso Emmanuel, 28; Lamidi Alaba, 42; Sanmi Ojo, 38; and Babatunde Abimbola, 26—were charged with one count of illegal possession of Indian hemp. The incident reportedly occurred on August 12 at approximately 8:00 a.m. in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State. According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Elijah Adejare, the suspects were found in possession of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.
Inspector Adejare presented the case before the court, stating that the offence violated Section 5(b) of the Indian Hemp Act, which is part of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. This law criminalizes the possession, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis and related substances. He requested that the court adjourn proceedings to allow him sufficient time to study the case file and prepare for witness testimonies. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against them.
Counsel for the accused, Mr. Adedayo Awe, made a formal application for bail, assuring the court that his clients would comply with all conditions and would not abscond. He emphasized their right to fair treatment under the law and urged the magistrate to grant them liberty pending trial. In response, Chief Magistrate Mrs. Kehinde Awosika granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N20,000, requiring one surety per defendant in the same amount. The surety must be of good character and reside within the jurisdiction of the court.
The court adjourned the matter until October 15 for further hearing, giving both prosecution and defense time to prepare their cases. This development comes amid ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to curb drug-related crimes across the country. The case highlights the continued enforcement of narcotics laws in Ekiti State, where authorities have intensified surveillance and crackdowns on drug trafficking and abuse. As the legal process unfolds, the public remains attentive to how such cases are handled, especially regarding due process and human rights.
This arraignment underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing drug control legislation, while also raising awareness about the consequences of drug possession in Nigeria. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for similar prosecutions in the region.
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