A 38-year-old South African woman, Will Jessica Ann, has been sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja for unlawfully importing 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin into Nigeria.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu handed down the sentence on Thursday after Ann pleaded guilty to the charge brought against her by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The convict was arrested on July 6 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to bring the illicit drug into the country. She was reportedly travelling with her three-year-old son at the time of her arrest.
The NDLEA had earlier arraigned Ann before the court in August on a one-count charge bordering on the unlawful importation of 5.75kg of heroin, a prohibited narcotic substance.
According to the agency, its operatives intercepted the South African national at the Abuja airport following the discovery of the drug in her possession.
Ann subsequently appeared before the court, where she pleaded guilty to the offence.
While delivering judgment, Justice Egwuatu sentenced her to 25 years in prison in accordance with the provisions of the law governing the illegal importation of narcotic drugs.
The judge reportedly emphasised that Nigerian law does not recognise emotions in determining criminal liability, indicating that the circumstances surrounding the offence could not override the applicable legal provisions.
The NDLEA, in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest and prosecution of the South African national.
The agency reiterated its commitment to curbing the trafficking and illicit importation of narcotic drugs into Nigeria, warning that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.