Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the seven-year prison sentence imposed on 28-year-old Ashiru Idris by the Federal High Court in Kano for advertising the sale of cannabis, describing the judgment as “jungle justice” and evidence of deep-rooted flaws in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
In a statement posted on his X account, Sowore argued that the punishment was grossly disproportionate for a non-violent offence and called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s judicial and criminal justice systems.
“I strongly condemn what I consider to be jungle justice against this young man, Ashiru Idris, by a Kano State High Court judge for merely advertising the sale of cannabis,” Sowore said.
He maintained that the case highlighted broader structural problems within the judiciary, insisting that the country’s justice system should focus on fairness and proportionality rather than imposing severe penalties for offences that do not involve violence.
However, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) defended the conviction, describing it as a clear warning to individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
Speaking on the judgment, the agency’s representative, Lawal, said the conviction demonstrated the NDLEA’s determination to clamp down on those who promote illegal drugs through public platforms.
“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 leads and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” he said.
The agency also appealed to members of the public to support the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse by providing credible information to law enforcement authorities.
The judgment has sparked debate over the balance between strict drug enforcement and the proportionality of punishments handed down by Nigerian courts, with critics arguing that sentencing reforms are necessary to ensure justice is both effective and fair.