Omoyele Sowore
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the seven-year prison sentence handed to Ashiru Idris by a Kano State High Court over the advertisement of cannabis for sale, describing the punishment as an example of the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
In a post shared on his official X account, Sowore expressed concern over what he described as “jungle justice,” arguing that the punishment was excessive for a non-violent offence.
“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.”
He said the case reinforces his long-held belief that Nigeria’s justice system requires far-reaching reforms.
“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 That reflects a class bias and an outdated mindset that must be swept away by a genuine revolutionary future.”
Sowore also pointed to changing global attitudes toward cannabis, noting that several countries now regulate its cultivation and commercial use under legal frameworks.
“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.”
He questioned the proportionality of the sentence imposed on Idris, particularly because it reportedly carries no option of a fine.
“Sentencing someone to seven years in prison without the option of a fine for advertising Cannabis speaks to proportionality and the priorities of our criminal justice system.”
Sowore called on the Kano State Government to intervene by suspending the execution of the judgment while the matter is appealed and ensuring that the case undergoes judicial review.
“I call for the immediate suspension of the judgment against Ashiru Idris pending appeal and a thorough judicial review of this case by the Kano State government. #FreeAshiruIdrisNOW.”
The comments have generated discussions on social media, with supporters and critics expressing differing views on the sentence, cannabis-related offences, and the broader state of Nigeria’s justice system.
