IFEANYI CHIYENUM BLESSING V. FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

MBABA JCA (Delivering the Lead Judgment): This is an appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court in charge No. FHC/IL/16C/ 2011, delivered by Hon. Justice A. O. Faji on 10 February 2012, in which the appellant was convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on 20 February 2012. The appellant was charged for unlawfully dealing in 2.4 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa and 15.3 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, LSD etc, contrary to and punishable under sections 11(c) and 19 respectively, of the National Drug Law Enforcement AgencyAct, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. She had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution called 4 witnesses and tendered 10 exhibits to prove the charge, while the appellants testified in person and called evidence in denial.

The lower court had found as follows, in its judgement:

“I must therefore hold that the prosecution has shown beyondreasonable doubt that the substance in exhibit 7 was indeed cannabis sativa , also known …