78-Yr Old Man Arraigned For Alleged Possession Of Cannabis Sativa

The National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has brought a 78-year-old vulcaniser, Edwin Nwobodo, before the Federal High Court in Enugu for alleged possession of 2.2 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa.
When the matter came up for hearing, the counsel to the prosecutor, Mr Joseph Momodu, said the accused was caught in his house at Obiagu, Enugu, on June 21, 2012 by the men of the NDLEA, Enugu State Command.
Momodu said his client was informed by a concerned citizen who pleaded anonymity that the accused was selling the substance to ESUT and IMT students who were living in Obiagu.
He said that his client arrested the accused and tested the exhibit in his presence and other officers of the command.
The prosecutor said that the accused was issued with a copy of the test analysis form in which the content was explained to him before he filled and thump-printed it.
Momodu said the accused had been on administrative bail even before he was charged to court due to his age and health condition.
“I wonder why an old man like this who is suffering from different kinds of sickness should involve himself in such an ugly incident.
“I urged this court to use the relevant section of the law to punish the accused not minding his age, as it will serve as a deterrent to other people who will be involved in such act,” Momodu said.
The counsel to the accused, Mr Christian Eneh, warned the NDLEA to be careful with those they engage as their informants as some of them might use the avenue to set their enemies up.
“My client is a responsible and truthful vulcaniser who is loved by everybody in the compound, including his landlord.
“As you can see everybody in his compound came to the court to testify in his favour as he cannot even hurt a fly, talk of indulging in such ugly act,” he said.
Ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Dorothy Agishi, adjourned the case to June 12 for continuation of hearing.