Kano Court Convicts Man Over Social Media Cannabis Advertisement

​A 28-year-old man, Ashiru Idris, has been sentenced to seven years in a correctional facility by the Federal High Court in Kano for using social media to advertise cannabis sativa for sale.

​The presiding judge, Justice S.M. Shuaibu, delivered the landmark judgment on July 14, 2026, ordering that the seven-year jail term be served without the option of a fine.

​Case Background

​Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, initiated the arrest of Idris on April 22, 2026. The apprehension followed the circulation of a video on social media in which Idris was seen publicly promoting cannabis for commercial purposes.

​Acting on the directive of the NDLEA Kano State Commander, CN DY Lawal, the agency successfully built a case that led to his conviction.

​Official Response

​Following the ruling, Commander Lawal praised the court’s decision, describing it as a vital “landmark” that sends a firm message to individuals who use digital platforms to facilitate the illicit drug trade.

​”This judgment reinforces our resolve to confront drug offenders who brazenly promote illegal substances on public platforms,” Lawal stated. He further emphasized that the agency remains committed to acting on credible leads to bring such offenders to justice.

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​The NDLEA has used this opportunity to reiterate its appeal to the public, families, and social media platforms to assist in the fight against drug trafficking by providing actionable intelligence to security agencies.

​This conviction is part of a broader, sustained effort by the NDLEA’s Kano Command to curb drug abuse through intelligence-led operations, which have included major raids and the destruction of over 12 tonnes of illicit narcotics earlier this year.