Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced Lagos-based socialite and alleged drug kingpin Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, popularly known as Ariket, to 45 years in prison for the illegal exportation of cocaine.
The court found her guilty on three counts—conspiracy, possession, and unlawful exportation of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia. She received 15 years on each count, but the sentences will run concurrently, meaning she will serve 15 years starting from May 19, 2017, the date of her arrest.
The case began after her co-defendant, Odeyemi Omolara, was arrested on February 23, 2017, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. During interrogation, Omolara reportedly confessed that Ogbuaya gave her the drugs to transport abroad.
Omolara had earlier pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in prison by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari.
During the trial, witnesses explained how the operation was carried out. An arresting officer told the court that Omolara raised an alarm during her arrest, shouting that “Arike has killed me.” Another witness confirmed that she consistently maintained that Ogbuaya supplied the drugs.
A security guard at Ogbuaya’s residence also testified that Omolara stayed at the house a day before her arrest and that unknown individuals had delivered the bag later used to carry the drugs. He added that Ogbuaya personally took her to the airport.
In her defence, Ogbuaya admitted knowing Omolara but denied any involvement in drug trafficking. She claimed she only gave her money for support and was unaware of the drugs, despite dropping her off at the airport.
After reviewing all the evidence, Justice Dipeolu found her guilty on all counts and proceeded with sentencing, despite pleas from her lawyer for leniency, who argued that she was a first-time offender and had dependents.
The ruling brings an end to a long-running case that highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria.
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