YA'U MOHAMMED V. THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

PAUL ADAMU GALINJE, J.C.A (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The Appellant herein was arraigned before the Federal High Court Port Harcourt on the 12th of June 2008, charged with being in unlawful possession of eight kilogram of Indian hemp otherwise known as cannabis sativa contrary to and punishable under section 19 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act cap 30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The plea of the Appellant could not be taken on the day he was arraigned because there was not available an interpreter who could interprete the days proceedings to the Appellant from English to Hausa and vice versa. Further proceedings, were adjourned to 8/7/08 for the Deputy Chief Registrar to assign an interpreter for the benefit of the Appellant.

However, the Appellants plea could not be taken until on the 19th day of December 2008. The charge was read and interpreted to the Appellant by one Isa Tanko from English to Hausa and vice versa, and this is what is recorded as the…