The Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced a 28-year-old man, Ashiru Idris, to seven years’ imprisonment for advertising cannabis for sale on social media.
The conviction was announced by the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Media and Advocacy Officer, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari.
According to the statement, Idris was arrested on April 22, 2026, after a video circulated on social media showing him openly promoting cannabis sativa for sale.
The NDLEA said operatives of the Kano Strategic Command carried out the arrest on the directive of the State Commander, CN DY Lawal.
Delivering judgment, Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kano convicted Idris and sentenced him to seven years in prison without the option of a fine. The sentence takes effect from July 14, 2026, the date of the judgment.
The agency described the ruling as a landmark judgment and a strong warning to individuals involved in the promotion and trafficking of illicit drugs.
Reacting to the verdict, Commander Lawal said the judgment reinforces the agency’s determination to crack down on drug-related offences, particularly those involving the use of public platforms to promote illegal substances.
“This judgment reinforces our resolve to confront drug offenders who brazenly promote illegal substances on public platforms. We will continue to act swiftly on credible intelligence and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” he said.
The Kano Command also commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), for his continued support and leadership, which it said has strengthened the agency’s operations in the state.
The agency further called on families, community leaders, social media platforms, and the general public to support efforts to combat substance abuse by providing credible information that could assist in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.