3 charged for alleged possession of Indian cannabis in Lagos

Police on Thursday charged three men at the Ikeja Magistrates Court in Lagos for alleged possession of a substance thought to be derived from Indian hemp.

The defendants, Biola Adeseun (45), Idowu Shonekan (30), and Hassan Rasheed (50), were charged with four counts of conspiracy, unlawful possession, pollution, and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

Prosecutor, Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendants and others who are still at large committed the offense on October 2 around Apple Junction in Festac.

Ikhayere said the defendants conspired to possess 130 packets of a substance allegedly derived from Indian marijuana, also called Canadian Loud, without valid permits.

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He added that the defendants did not provide a satisfactory explanation when questioned by the police about how they obtained the illegal drugs.

lAccording to the prosecutor, the defendants smoked and sold these items, thereby polluting the atmosphere and endangering people’s healthy lives.

Ikhayere said the offense violated Sections 411, 329, 166(a)(b), and 168(b) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate LA Owolabi granted bail to each accused in the amount of ₦1 million, with two bail bonds in the same amount.

The guarantee is to provide a verified address and proof of livelihood.

He further directed that one of the guarantors must be a civil servant.

The judge adjourned the case until December 3 for hearing.