The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2027 election, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the seven-year prison sentence imposed on a Kano man for advertising cannabis for sale on social media, describing the judgment as “jungle justice.”
In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, Sowore called for the immediate suspension of the judgment against Ashiru Idris pending the determination of his appeal.
He also urged the Kano State Government to initiate a judicial review of the case.
“I strongly condemn what I consider to be jungle justice against this young man, Ashiru Idris, by a Kano State High Court judge for merely advertising the sale of cannabis,” Sowore said.
According to him, the Nigerian justice system requires urgent reforms, arguing that courts often hand down stiffer punishments for non-violent offences than for more serious crimes.
“This is why I have consistently argued that Nigeria’s justice system requires urgent reform. Too often, our courts appear to react more harshly to non-violent offences than to serious crimes.
“That reflects a class bias and an outdated mindset that must be swept away by a genuine revolutionary future,” he stated.
Sowore further argued that cannabis is increasingly recognised as a regulated agricultural commodity in several countries, rather than being viewed solely as an illicit substance.
“Cannabis is no longer viewed solely as an illicit drug in many parts of the world. It is now cultivated and regulated as a legitimate cash crop in numerous jurisdictions.
“Sentencing someone to seven years in prison without the option of a fine for advertising cannabis raises serious questions about proportionality and the priorities of our criminal justice system,” he added.
He reiterated his call for the suspension of the judgment pending appeal and urged the Kano State Government to undertake a comprehensive judicial review of the matter.
Ashiru Idris, 28, was sentenced on July 14 by Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kano to seven years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine after being convicted of advertising cannabis sativa for sale on social media.
According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idris was arrested on April 22, 2026, after a video showing him advertising cannabis for sale went viral on social media.
The anti-drug agency said the conviction should serve as a warning to individuals using public platforms to promote illicit drugs.
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.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
