The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Friday said
controversial Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh, risks a minimum of 15
years in jail for encouraging the consumption of hemp.
Dikeh had on Friday posted photographs of a wrap of hemp and
grains of the weed formed into the letters, 'Happy birthday POKO.'
She also posted a photograph of herself and added the inscription,
'Mi smoke ganja mi smoke weed while my hatez smoke ma gossip.'
Her picture is a close-up of her face that seemed to depict her in a
high state.
When reporters contacted NDLEA for comments, its
spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the matter would be
investigated.
He said the matter had been referred to the appropriate department
of the agency.
Ofoyeju said, "Our attention has been drawn to the post quite frankly
and I can tell you that action will be taken on it. The law is clear and
NDLEA has been very clear on the issue. No one is permitted to sell,
use, cultivate or encourage the use of Indian hemp in Nigeria. The
weed is one of the banned narcotics in the country.
"NDLEA Act Section 14 (b) states that any person who conspires with,
aids, abets, counsels, attempts to commit or is an accessory to any
act or offence referred to in this act shall be guilty of an offence
under this act and liable on conviction to be sentenced to
imprisonment for a term not less than 15 years and not exceeding 25
years.
"Investigation has not started as of now but definitely, a step has to
be taken on the matter. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse; so, it
is obvious that the actress stands the risk of 15 years jail term. The
appropriate department is meeting on the issue for necessary
action."
The NDLEA spokesman, however, declined to give any hint on
particular steps the agency would take in its investigation, citing
reasons bearing on ethics.
Dikeh's post has expectedly drawn mixed reactions from readers, with
many of them voicing concern for the way she is living her life.
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