- Judge Grants Compassionate Release to Ailing Drug Convict
- Yuanyuam stated that Arigbe was found in possession of 66 grams of methamphetamine
- Judge reaffirmed order forfeiture of the N534,569.16
Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday issued a caution and discharged a female drug offender, Isoken Arigbe, on compassionate grounds after her conviction for the unlawful possession of 66 grams of methamphetamine.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Arigbe was released after admitting guilt to a single charge brought against her by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
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She was apprehended on May 23, 2025, at the Lekki Gardens Phase 2 Junction in Ajah, within the Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
During the court session, the NDLEA prosecutor, Mr. A.G. Yuanyuam, informed the court that the matter was set for Arigbe’s arraignment and that the charge was ready to be read to her.
Yuanyuam stated that Arigbe was found in possession of 66 grams of methamphetamine, a substance similar to cocaine, heroin, and LSD, without lawful authorization.
He explained that the offense violated Section 19 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as amended.
Arigbe pleaded guilty, prompting the prosecutor to present the case facts along with supporting documents and exhibits.
He requested that the court convict the defendant according to Section 356 subsection 2 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Justice Osiagor then convicted Arigbe as charged.
After the conviction, the prosecution requested the permanent forfeiture of the sum of N534,569.16 found in the convict’s bank accounts, claiming the funds were proceeds from the illegal activity.
The judge approved the request and ordered that the amount be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In his plea for mercy, defence counsel Mr. C.J. Robert, representing the chambers of Uche Okoronkwo, asked the court to consider Arigbe’s status as a first time offender who had shown remorse and cooperated with law enforcement by pleading guilty at the earliest stage.
He also informed the court about her poor health, supported by medical records from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, which indicated she suffered from abdominal complications and an enlarged heart.
Taking into account her fragile condition, Justice Osiagor chose not to impose a prison sentence.
Instead, he cautioned and discharged her, warning her not to reoffend and encouraging her to prioritize her health.
The judge, however, reaffirmed the order for the forfeiture of the N534,569.16 to the Federal Government.
