The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has secured a 15-year jail term against a 20-year-old drug suspect, Muhammad Maharazu, for offences related to drug possession and attempted assault on operatives.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Kano by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari.
He said the conviction was handed down on April 15 by Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court One, Kano.
Muhammad-Maigatari said the suspect was arrested on Feb. 14, 2026 at the notorious Filin Idi drug den by operatives attached to the Commander’s Special Joint Task Force.
He said the suspect was found in possession of various illicit substances, including Diazepam tablets.
“While officers were pursuing him, the suspect produced a long knife in an apparent attempt to attack operatives to evade arrest.
“He was, however, tactically disarmed, arrested and subsequently prosecuted,” he said.
According to him, the court sentenced the defendant to 15 years imprisonment without an option of fine, with the sentence to run from the date of judgment.
The Kano State Commander of the agency, Mr Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, commended the court for the judgment, describing it as decisive.
“This conviction sends a clear message that no amount of threats or violence will deter our officers from carrying out their mandate.
“Kano is not and will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers. Even small quantities of illicit substances will be prosecuted,” he said.
The commander added that the custodial sentence would serve as a deterrent to others, particularly those who resort to violence to resist arrest.
He called on members of the public to continue supporting the agency in its efforts to rid the state of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Yahaya-Lawal emphasised that tackling drug-related crimes remained a collective responsibility.(NAN)