Smokers in Trouble As Tinubu Signs New Law
The Senate on Thursday, prescribed death sentence as penalty for trafficking in hard drugs and other substances in Nigeria.
This followed the passage of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill 2024. It also prescribed not more than 15 years imprisonment without the option of a fine, for conviction on the consumption of hard drugs and substances.
This followed the adoption of the report of Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Drugs and Narcotics on the NDLEA Amendment Act at plenary.
The report was presented by the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC -Borno). Monguno in his presentation said the amendment sought to strengthen the operations of the NDLEA, empower its operations to establish laboratories for forensic review and update the list of dangerous drugs.
He said the amendment was also designed to review penalties and enhance the powers of the NDLEA to prosecute drug-related offences and issue subsidiary legislation. He said the Senate had on February 28, deliberated on the bill, which was transmitted from the House of Representatives for the Senate’s concurrence.
He said it was important to make a general comment on the bill, especially on the classification of the offences and penalty categorisations of drug-related offences. He said the categorisations were peculiar and different from other laws because of the sentencing guideline used in the determination of drug-related offences.
“These guidelines in drug laws are designed to promote fairness, consistency and proportionality in the criminal justice system while considering the broader goals of rehabilitation and public safety.
“It is also important to note that several variables are used in determining the penalties imposed on a suspect.