I. T. MUHAMMAD, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): On the 22nd day of March, 2004, Mr. Godwin Chukwuma (a.k.a. Goddy), a business man, accused/appellant herein, was arrested by the men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Hajiya Halima area, Sokoto, in Sokoto State. The allegation against him was that he was found in possession of 305 kilogrammes of CANABI SATIVA, otherwise known as INDIAN HEMP without lawful authority. On the 30th day of March, 2004, the accused was arraigned before the Federal High court (trial court), holden in Sokoto. The following charge was read and explained to the accused:
"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 kilogramms of Canabis Sativa otherwise known as Indian Hemp, a Narcotic Drug similar to Cocaine and thereby committed…