Nigerian National Sentenced To 10yrs Imprisonment In Ghana For Cocaine Smuggling

Ernest Nnajuiba Ukechukwu, a Nigerian national based in Brazil, has been handed a ten-year prison sentence by the Accra High Court in Ghana.

The sentence comes as a result of his involvement in the possession and attempted smuggling of a significant quantity of cocaine weighing 16,568.83 grams into the country.

Francis Opoku Amoah, the Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations of Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), revealed in a statement on Tuesday that Ukechukwu was apprehended at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra. The arrest took place on December 11, 2022, when Ukechukwu was undergoing arrival formalities.

During the routine checks at the airport, officials noticed discrepancies in Ukechukwu’s statements, prompting a thorough examination of his luggage. It was during this inspection that the concealed consignment of cocaine was discovered.

Following the discovery, Ukechukwu faced six counts of narcotic offences related to the importation and possession of illegal drugs. Upon his appearance before the Criminal Court Division of the Accra High Court, he pleaded guilty to all six charges. As a result, Her Lordship Mary Ekue Yanzuh presiding over the court convicted him based on his plea.

The court sentenced Ukechukwu to a minimum of ten years of hard labor, and he was also fined with Ten thousand penalty units. In the event of failure to pay the fine, he will serve an additional three years in default. The sentences will run concurrently.

As part of the sentencing process, the Court ordered the destruction of the confiscated cocaine exhibit, a measure that was promptly carried out by NACOC investigators in the presence of the court Registrar, State prosecutors, and the defense counsel.

In their official statement, NACOC emphasized their unwavering commitment to safeguarding public safety by combatting illegal narcotics trade and usage.

They reminded the public that the possession, use, and transportation of illicit drugs without lawful authorization remain strictly prohibited under the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 (Act 1019). (CONTINUE READING HERE)