DONGBAN-MENSEM, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): On the 11th day of July 2001, the Hon. Justice A.M. Liman of the Federal High Court Holden at Umuahia, Abia State of Nigeria, convicted the appellant and sentenced him to a term of ten years imprisonment without an option of fine. The offence as stated in the charge sheet was "...dealing in 34.0 kilograrns of Indian Hemp... known as Cannabis Sativa, without lawful authority contrary to and punishable under section 10 (c) of the NDLEA Act Cap 253 of the LFN 1990" It was a short summary trial, the appellant having pleaded guilty to the offence.
The appellant has now come to this court upon three grounds of appeal challenging his conviction and sentence.
Two issues were formulated for the appellant for determination. The respondent however merged the issues of the appellant into one. I agree with the learned counsel for the respondent that the appeal can be resolved upon the issue for formulated for the respondent.
This appeal sha…