BA'ABA, J.C.A (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Sokoto in suit No. FHC/S/20C/2004 delivered on the 21st day of September, 2004, in which the court convicted and sentenced the appellant to a term of 15 years imprisonment under section 10H of the NDLEA (Amendment) Decree No.15 of 1992.
The appellant was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Sokoto, charged with an offence under section 10H of the NDLEA (Amendment) Decree No. 15 of 1992 as follows:
''That you Godwin Chukwuma (a.k.a. Goddy) male, 36 years of age of Mabera Area of Sokoto, on or about 22nd March, 2004 at Hajiya Halima Area, Sokoto within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and without lawful authority had in your possession 305 kilograms of cannabis sativa otherwise known as Indian hemp, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 10H of the NDLEA (Amendment) Decree No.15 of 1992."
Aft…