News

FG Moves To Scrap Fine Option For Convicted Drug Traffickers

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedJune 29, 2026

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that the Federal Government is taking steps to abolish the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers, describing the provision as a loophole that undermines the fight against drug-related crimes.

The agency said an executive bill is being prepared to amend the existing law, replacing the fine option with mandatory prison terms ranging from 15 to 25 years for convicted traffickers.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said the judiciary has remained a dependable partner in prosecuting drug offenders, noting that the agency currently records a conviction rate of almost 90 per cent.

Babafemi, however, identified the option of fines as a major weakness in the legal framework.

“There is a small nag there and that is the issue of the option of fine, and we are very grateful that the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is addressing that.

“I think there is an executive bill which will soon get to the National Assembly to amend the law so that there will be no option of fine.

“Because they know that there is a loophole for an option of fine, the judge gives an option of fine, then you find them paying whether N5 million, N10 million or N20 million.

“But that I believe is being addressed at the moment and when that law is passed then there will be nothing like that. You will have probably a minimum of 15 then 25 years in prison so that you know that when you are arrested you are going to jail and then you lose everything,” he said.

According to Babafemi, the proposed amendment, being championed through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is aimed at ensuring convicted traffickers serve jail terms instead of paying fines and returning to the illicit drug trade.

He described the global drug problem as a “hydra-headed monster” but said the NDLEA has continued to intensify its operations against traffickers, recording significant successes across the country.

Babafemi said the agency’s sustained crackdown has reduced the availability of illicit drugs, resulting in scarcity and a sharp increase in their street prices.

He noted that even drug users have acknowledged the impact of the agency’s operations.

“If you follow some of the conversations online, you will hear young people complaining, ‘Why are you people always seizing these things? Now because of what you are doing, a gram of cana has moved from N5,000 to N35,000,’” he said.

The NDLEA spokesman also disclosed that the agency has uncovered billions of naira in the bank accounts of suspected drug traffickers during recent operations.

He said the accounts have been frozen while the agency seeks court orders to forfeit the funds to the Federal Government.

Babafemi further stated that Nigeria has become an increasingly hostile environment for drug traffickers, forcing many of them to relocate to other countries to evade arrest.

He added that the agency is working closely with its international counterparts to monitor and track fleeing suspects with the aim of bringing them to justice.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.