A Federal High Court in Yola has sentenced two drug traffickers, Shuaibu Nuhu Isa, 55, and Zidon Zurga, 50, to 35 years each for smuggling 500.8kg of cannabis into Adamawa State using fake presidency number plates.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the military, intercepted the illegal consignment on November 25, 2024, near the Numan Bridge. The 626 blocks of cannabis were concealed in two tinted vehicles—a Toyota Hilux (Lagos NT 829 AAA) and a Prado SUV (01B-266 FG)—being transported from Ondo State to Mubi.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Bala Usman in case number FHC/YL/150/2024. On February 7, 2025, the court convicted them and sentenced each to 35 years imprisonment. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the vehicles used for the smuggling operation.
Reacting to the judgment, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri commended the NDLEA and security agencies for their efforts in tackling drug trafficking in the state.
“This conviction sends a strong message that Adamawa will not be a safe haven for criminals. My administration maintains zero tolerance for drug-related crimes,” Fintiri said.
He also urged those battling drug addiction to embrace rehabilitation and reintegrate into society.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to curbing illicit drug activities, warning traffickers that no amount of influence or deception would shield them from justice.
