A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced Lagos-based socialite Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, widely known as Ariket, to prison over her involvement in the illegal export of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down a 15-year sentence on each of the three charges of conspiracy, possession and unlawful exportation of cocaine. However, the court ruled that the sentences will run concurrently, meaning she will serve a total of 15 years, effective from May 19, 2017, the date of her arrest.
The conviction followed earlier findings by the court that Ogbuaya was guilty on all counts, with sentencing delayed to allow her legal team to make submissions.
The case originated from the arrest of her co-defendant, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Monsurat Olabisi, who was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on February 23, 2017.
During questioning, Omolara told investigators that the cocaine she was caught with had been supplied by Ogbuaya for export to Saudi Arabia.
Omolara had previously admitted to the charges and was convicted separately, receiving a 25-year prison sentence.
Throughout the trial, witnesses described how the operation unfolded and linked Ogbuaya to the offence.
An arresting officer, Iyabode Shonibare, told the court that Omolara cried out at the point of arrest, accusing Ogbuaya of being responsible for her predicament.
Another witness testified that Omolara consistently maintained that the bag containing the drugs had been handed to her by Ogbuaya.
Further testimony came from a security guard at Ogbuaya’s residence, who said Omolara visited the house a day before her arrest and stayed overnight.
The guard also told the court that the bag later used in the trafficking attempt had earlier been delivered to the residence, and that Ogbuaya personally drove Omolara to the airport on the day she was apprehended.
In her defence, Ogbuaya admitted knowing Omolara but denied any role in drug trafficking. She said the visit was for financial assistance and claimed she only gave her N10,000.
She also confirmed dropping Omolara at the airport while on her way to travel to the Republic of Benin, maintaining that she had no knowledge of the drugs.
After reviewing the evidence presented, the court found her culpable on all charges.
Her counsel had pleaded for leniency, citing her status as a first-time offender, her remorse and family responsibilities, but the court proceeded to impose the sentence in line with the law.
