A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced a socialite, Funmilola Ogbuaya, popularly known as Ariket, to 15 years’ imprisonment for her involvement in cocaine trafficking.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Deinde Dipeolu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding the defendant guilty of conspiracy as well as aiding and abetting the attempted export of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.
The court ruled that the sentence would run concurrently with an earlier 25-year jail term imposed in connection with the same case, with effect from May 19, 2017.
The conviction comes nearly a decade after her accomplice, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Olabisi, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for her role in the drug trafficking operation.
The case, which began in 2017, was initially heard by Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari before it was reassigned following her elevation to the Court of Appeal.
Ogbuaya and her co-convict were arraigned on multiple counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession, aiding and abetting, and attempted export of cocaine.
While Omolara later changed her plea to guilty and was convicted, Ogbuaya maintained her innocence throughout most of the trial.
The prosecution, led by counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Abu Ibrahim, called nine witnesses and tendered documentary evidence, including the seized substance.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, the defendant filed a no-case submission, arguing that no sufficient evidence had been established against her.
However, in a ruling delivered in April 2025, the court dismissed the application, holding that a prima facie case had been made and directing her to open her defence.
Following the conclusion of arguments from both sides, the court fixed April 28, 2026, for judgment.
In its final verdict, the court upheld the prosecution’s arguments and found Ogbuaya guilty on all counts, leading to her sentencing on Wednesday.
The charges stemmed from events in February 2017, when the convicts were said to have conspired to export the illicit drug, contrary to provisions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.