The Federal Government is moving to shut the door on a long-criticised escape route for convicted drug traffickers by scrapping the option of fines and replacing it with lengthy prison sentences.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says the proposed change to Nigeria’s drug laws is aimed at strengthening the fight against narcotics and ensuring convicted traffickers serve jail terms instead of paying fines and returning to the illicit trade.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, described the current fine option as a loophole that has weakened efforts to curb drug trafficking in the country.
Babafemi commended the judiciary for its support in prosecuting offenders, noting that the Agency currently records a conviction rate of nearly 90 per cent in drug-related cases.
He, however, stressed that allowing convicted traffickers to pay fines and walk free undermines the deterrent effect of the law.
“There is a small nag there and that is the issue of the option of fine, and we are very grateful that the Federal Government through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is addressing that.
“I think there is an executive bill which will soon get to the National Assembly to amend the law so that there will be no option of fine anymore.
“Because they know that there is a loophole for an option of fine, the judge gives an option of fine, then you find them paying whether ₦5 million, ₦10 million or ₦20 million.
“But that I believe is being addressed at the moment and when that law is passed then there will be nothing like that. You will have probably a minimum of 15 then 25 years in prison so that you know that when you are arrested you are going to jail and then you lose everything,” Babafemi said.
According to the NDLEA spokesman, the proposed amendment, which is being championed through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, would introduce mandatory prison sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years for convicted drug traffickers.
He said the move would ensure offenders face imprisonment rather than paying fines and returning to the drug business.
Babafemi described the global drug trade as a hydra-headed problem but insisted that the NDLEA has remained relentless in its crackdown on traffickers, recording notable successes across the country.
He added that sustained enforcement operations have reduced the availability of illicit drugs, resulting in shortages and a sharp increase in street prices.
According to him, even drug users have openly acknowledged the impact of the Agency’s operations.
“If you follow some of the conversations online, you will hear young people complaining, ‘Why are you people always seizing these things? Now because of what you are doing, a gram of cana has moved from ₦5,000 to ₦35,000,'” he said.
Babafemi further revealed that the Agency has uncovered billions of naira in bank accounts linked to suspected drug traffickers during recent operations.
He said the funds have already been frozen while efforts are ongoing to secure their forfeiture to the Federal Government.
The NDLEA spokesman also stated that Nigeria has become increasingly hostile territory for drug traffickers, forcing many of them to relocate abroad in an attempt to evade arrest.
He, however, noted that the Agency continues to work closely with international partners and sister agencies in countries where the suspects are believed to be hiding, with the aim of tracking them down and bringing them to justice.
