Court releases drug convict due to medical condition
In a notable case that unfolded at the Federal High Court in Lagos, a judge discharges drug trafficker on compassionate grounds following a guilty plea and the presentation of serious health concerns. Justice Daniel Osiagor made the rare judicial decision to caution and discharge Isoken Arigbe, a female drug offender convicted of unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
The court proceedings, which took place on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, highlighted a balance between justice and compassion as the judge weighed the defendant’s health condition and first-offender status against the gravity of the offense.
Isoken Arigbe was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on May 23, 2025, at the Lekki Gardens Phase 2 Junction in Ajah, within the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. She was found in possession of 66 grams of methamphetamine—a highly addictive and illegal substance similar in effect to cocaine, heroin, and LSD.
The NDLEA subsequently filed a one-count charge of unlawful drug possession against Arigbe, citing her violation of Section 19 of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended). The case came up for arraignment on Tuesday, where Arigbe pleaded guilty.
Court Discharges Drug Trafficker, Issues Final Warning
Prosecutor Mr. A.G. Yuanyuam presented the facts before Justice Osiagor, including exhibits and documentation to support the conviction. He also invoked Section 356(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which allows for a conviction based on a guilty plea without a full trial.
After reviewing the facts and the defendant’s plea, Justice Osiagor formally convicted Arigbe. Following the conviction, the prosecution applied for the final forfeiture of N534,569.16 found in Arigbe’s bank accounts—funds believed to be proceeds of the illicit drug activity. The judge granted the request, ordering that the sum be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The forfeiture aligns with Nigerian anti-drug laws, which empower the court to seize any assets or funds linked to drug trafficking or illegal narcotics activities.
During allocutus—the legal opportunity to plead for a lighter sentence—defence counsel Mr. C.J. Robert, representing the chambers of Uche Okoronkwo, urged the court to consider Arigbe’s deteriorating health and cooperation throughout the investigation. He emphasized that Arigbe was a first-time offender who demonstrated genuine remorse by pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.
To support the plea, Robert presented medical reports from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The documentation revealed that Arigbe suffers from serious health complications, including abdominal issues and an enlarged heart. The court was informed that she had been under medical supervision and faced significant risk if subjected to custodial detention.
Taking into account the convict’s health status, lack of prior criminal history, and willingness to cooperate, Justice Daniel Osiagor opted for a non-custodial outcome. Instead of imposing a prison sentence, the judge discharged the drug trafficker with a stern warning.
“This court is mindful of the convict’s health and the fact that she has shown remorse. However, this should not be mistaken for leniency toward drug-related crimes. The discharge today is made on compassionate grounds, with a strong caution never to reoffend.”
He further advised Arigbe to prioritize her medical treatment and use this opportunity to turn her life around. The judge also reminded the courtroom that drug trafficking remains a serious offense, and only exceptional circumstances such as these could justify such judicial discretion.
The case has drawn mixed reactions from legal observers and the public. While some have praised the humane decision by the court, others argue that such leniency could undermine the severity of drug trafficking laws in Nigeria.
Legal analyst Boma Ikem suggested that the ruling could set a precedent for other cases involving offenders with severe health challenges. “While it’s rare for a judge to discharge a drug trafficker, this case was handled within the framework of the law, particularly given the medical evidence and the early guilty plea,” he explained.
The decision by Justice Daniel Osiagor to discharge a drug trafficker due to health and humanitarian concerns underscores the complexities of Nigeria’s judicial system when it comes to drug-related offenses. While justice must be served, the case of Isoken Arigbe shows that compassion and individual circumstances can play a pivotal role in sentencing.
As the country continues to battle the scourge of narcotics, legal experts emphasize the need for balanced, case-by-case assessments that ensure justice without compromising public safety.
Source- Punchng
