Sowore slams seven-year jail term for man advertising cannabis online

Omoyele Sowore, a 2027 presidential candidate, has condemned a seven-year prison sentence handed down to Ashiru Idris for advertising cannabis sales on social media. Sowore described the judgment by a Kano State High Court as "jungle justice" and called for its immediate suspension pending an appeal. He also urged the Kano State Government to conduct a judicial review of the case.

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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 argued that Nigeria's justice system requires urgent reform, citing instances where courts impose severe punishments for non-violent offenses, which he believes reflects a class bias and an outdated mindset. He contrasted this with the treatment of more serious crimes, suggesting a disproportionate focus on minor offenses.

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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.

The African Action Congress presidential candidate pointed out that cannabis is increasingly cultivated and regulated as a legitimate cash crop in many countries worldwide. He questioned the proportionality of a seven-year sentence without the option of a fine for advertising the substance, highlighting concerns about the priorities within Nigeria's criminal justice system. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency had arrested Idris on April 22, 2026, after a video of him advertising cannabis circulated online.

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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.