Lagos: Court frees ailing woman convicted of drug possession on compassionate grounds

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos has cautioned and discharged a female drug offender, Arigbe Faith Isoken, after convicting her for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, citing serious health complications as the basis for his decision.

Isoken was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on May 23, 2025, at Lekki Gardens Phase 2 Junction, Ajah, in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

She was found in possession of 66 grams of methamphetamine, a banned substance classified alongside cocaine, heroin, and LSD.

The NDLEA had filed a one-count charge against Isoken, to which she pleaded guilty upon arraignment before Justice Osiagor.

During proceedings, prosecution counsel Mr. A.G. Yuanyuam informed the court of the charge and requested that it be read to the defendant for her plea to be taken. Following her guilty plea, he reviewed the facts of the case and tendered all relevant exhibits.

Yuanyuam then urged the court to convict Isoken in line with Section 356(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which the judge granted.

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Subsequently, the prosecutor requested the final forfeiture of N534,569.16 found in the defendant’s bank accounts, claiming the money was the proceeds of her unlawful activity. Justice Osiagor granted the request and ordered the funds forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

During the sentencing phase, defence counsel Mr. C.J. Robert delivered a passionate plea for leniency.

He highlighted that Isoken was a first-time offender who admitted guilt early, expressed deep remorse, and had pledged never to reoffend.

Robert also drew the court’s attention to his client’s deteriorating health condition. He presented certified medical reports, including one from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), which revealed that Isoken suffers from abdominal complications, an enlarged heart, and other serious medical issues. He argued that imprisonment would further endanger her life and reduce her chances of recovery.

Justice Osiagor, while acknowledging the seriousness of the offence, considered the defendant’s critical health condition and her visible frailty throughout the trial. Opting for mercy, he declined to impose a custodial sentence.

“This court must balance justice with humanity. The convict has shown remorse and is clearly not in good health. I therefore caution and discharge her on compassionate grounds to enable her to seek adequate medical care,” the judge ruled.

However, he issued a stern warning to the convict: “Let this be a turning point in your life. The law is merciful today because of your condition, but you may not be so lucky next time.”

Despite the discharge, the court upheld the prosecution’s application for the forfeiture of the ₦534,569.16 traced to the crime.

The one-count charge read: “That you, Arigbe Faith Isoken, adult, female, Nigerian citizen, on or about the 23rd day of May 2025, at Lekki Gardens, Phase 2 Junction, Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, were found and arrested in possession of 66 grams of Methamphetamine, a drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin, and LSD, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended).”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE