In Pakistian, drug trafficking is death sentence but in Nigeria, Justice C. J. Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi on
Thursday July 9, 2015 sentenced a Pakistani, Iftikhar Muhammad Arslan to 18 months imprisonment for importing 25.400kg of high heroin valued
at two hundred and twenty million naira (N220m).
The convict was charged with a
one count charge of unlawful importation of 25.400kg of heroin contrary to and
punishable under section 11(a) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30, laws of the Federation
of Nigeria 2004. The convict claimed to be a medical student.
He initially
pleaded not guilty but changed his plea midway in the trial. Iftikhar also
pleaded for leniency.
His argument was opposed by NDLEA prosecutor, Mr Owens
Fingere who told the court that the value of the drugs and the fact of the case
be considered in sentencing him.
However, Justice Aneke said that heroin is a dangerous drug
that would have caused serious harm to the country. He added that the convict
is a first time offender who is remorseful over his action. He said that the
court will show some leniency considering the fact that he is a student who
deserves a second chance to correct his mistakes. He therefore sentenced him to
eighteen months imprisonment.
Iftikhar was arrested by officials of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA),
Lagos on April 5, 2014 at age nineteen during the inward screening of
passengers on Qatar Airways flight on his way from Doha, Qatar.
The brownish substance that tested positive for heroin was
packed in 25 parcels hidden in a smaller bag inside his luggage. “I am a
student of Punjab College and I am in Nigeria as a tourist because my friend
told me that Victoria Island and Ikoyi are beautiful tourist centres.
Unfortunately, when I arrived at the Lagos Airport, the heroin was found in my
luggage. This is my first time of coming to Nigeria and I had intended to spend
a week or two,” Iftikihar reportedly told investigators during his arrest.
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