Hold on to your hats, folks! A courtroom in Osun State just got a whole lot more interesting. Three men were hauled into court and locked up for possession of what the authorities are calling ‘Indian hemp.’ This isn’t your average street corner bust – this is a full-blown legal drama. Let’s dive into what went down.
Here’s a quick rundown of what this article covers:
- Three men arrested and charged for drug possession.
- The details of the charges: conspiracy, illegal possession, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
- The court’s decision to remand them to a correctional center.
- A look at what ‘Indian hemp’ actually is (hint: it’s cannabis!)
The Arrest: A 7 AM Surprise
The drama unfolded on December 19th, 2024, at the crack of 7 AM in Modakeke, Ife East. That’s when Wasiu Ayantunde, Adewale Ademola, and Biodun Afolabi were allegedly found with some suspicious dry weeds. According to the prosecution, the men couldn’t explain how they came into possession of these ‘weeds,’ which are suspected to be none other than the infamous Indian hemp. The police swooped in, and the three were quickly apprehended.
The Charges: More Than Just Possession
Now, this wasn’t just a simple case of having some weed. The prosecutor, Asp Emmanuel Abdullahi, threw the book at them with a three-count charge:
- Conspiracy: Implies they worked together to commit the offense.
- Unlawful Possession: Simply put, they weren’t allowed to have the stuff.
- Conduct likely to cause breach of peace: Basically, they caused a ruckus by having the drugs.
These charges fall under Sections 249(d), 430(1), and 517 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.
In Court: Pleading Not Guilty
During their court appearance, all three men pleaded not guilty. Their defense counsel, Mr. Mudasiru Raheem, argued for their bail. He promised that his clients wouldn’t try to skip town and would provide some reliable sureties. However, Magistrate Kikelomo Adebayo wasn’t buying it and decided that they’d be remanded at the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre until the bail hearing, set for January 7.
What’s ‘Indian Hemp’ Anyway?
So, what exactly is this “Indian hemp” that everyone is talking about? Well, it’s another name for cannabis, commonly known as weed, pot, or marijuana. It is illegal in Nigeria, hence the heavy charges these men face. The substance is used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. However, when it’s not obtained legally, that’s when you get into trouble with the law.
The Next Steps
The next date for this court case is on the 7th of January. It remains to be seen whether they will be granted bail. Until then, the three men remain in jail. This case has become a talking point in the region and highlights Nigeria’s stance on drug possession. It’s a stern warning to those who may consider being on the wrong side of the law.
Stay tuned for updates as this legal drama unfolds. It might just be the beginning of a long battle.
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