A Nigerian national has been jailed for eight years in Kenya after being found guilty of trafficking cocaine worth Ksh.890, 800.
Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi of the Milimani Law Courts ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt against Alabi Tunde Lateef, who facing two counts of drug was trafficking.
According to court records, the incident happened on September 11, 2017. Lateef was first arrested near the General Post Office (GPO) in Nairobi’s Central Business District while transporting 75.4 grams of cocaine, which had an estimated street value of Ksh.377, 000.
On the same day, police discovered another stash of 102.7 grams of cocaine worth Ksh.513, 800 stored at a house in the Mwiki area of Kasarani, also linked to Lateef.
The prosecution, led by State counsels Wanjiru Naomi and Nyakira Kibera from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), presented four witnesses who testified against the accused. Their evidence led to his conviction.
In her ruling, Magistrate Shitubi sentenced Lateef to eight years in prison for each count, but the terms will run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of eight years.
The case highlights Kenya’s continued crackdown on drug trafficking, which has become a major concern for security agencies. Authorities have warned that drug-related crimes attract stiff penalties as the government seeks to curb the menace.
