Court sentences drug baron to 10 years jail term in Kano

Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court, Kano has sentenced a notorious drug baron Muhammad Bako Sambo to 10 years imprisonment.

Sambo was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command while in possession of 201 kilograms of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and was charged for prosecution before the court.

He was among seven traffickers of illicit substances prosecuted and subsequently convicted upon charge by NDLEA. Sambo was first arrested in 2020 and later released by NDLEA.

According to him, the NDLEA commander has been relentless in his efforts to rid the state of illicit drug activities, adding that the successful prosecution is a clear message to others involved in illegal drug trade and transportation to desist.

He said “Sambo, whose operation involved transporting large quantities of Cannabis Sativa from Ondo and other Southern States to the North, was apprehended on November 11, 2020.

“NDLEA officers on patrol along the Kano-Zaria road became suspicious and stopped a Honda Accord that initially refused to stop. After a pursuit, the suspect was arrested in the Hotoro area of Kano.

“Subsequent investigations at the State Headquarters led to the discovery of 201 kilograms of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa in Sambo’s vehicle.

“The suspect’s real identity and his residence in Lokogoma, Abuja, were later confirmed.

“Laboratory tests on the substance confirmed it as Cannabis Sativa, solidifying the case against Sambo. The convict was found guilty of trafficking in Cannabis Sativa, a violation of the NDLEA Act.”