Nigerian-Kenyan Couple Loses in Appeal Court Over 15-years Jail term on Drug Trafficking

A Nigerian-Kenyan couple have lost their bids to overturn a 15-year jail term for drug trafficking.

The Nigerian-Kenyan couple, a Nigerian man and a Kenyan woman, were sentenced to 15 years each in jail; for having Sh6.3 million narcotics on them.

They had taken their conviction to an appeal court. However, the court has ruled that they will continue to serve their terms, having both lost their appeal.

The Nigerian man was identified as Nnamdi Egesimba. On the other hand, the Kenyan woman is known as Leila Muli. Both were convicted of narcotics trafficking. They were ordered to pay fines of Sh18 million each or serve 15 years in jail.

However, they couldn’t pay the fines.

3,822 Drug Trafficking Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images – iStock

Consequently, they appealed the trial court decision, which was dismissed in 2019 by the High Court. The Nigerian-Kenyan couple had petitioned the Appeal Court.

But in a judgment delivered on December 4, the judges ruled there was no evidence presented; even in defence, to show the value of the drugs was less because of its purity level.

Thereafter, judges Martha Koome, Daniel Musinga and Fatuma Sichale dismissed the appeal, saying it had no justification. They saw no reason to interfere with lower courts’ decisions.

“On the severity of sentence, both courts were alive to the fact the Act provides for life sentences; but sentenced the appellants to 15 years,” the court ruled.

The lower courts exercised discretion, the judges said.

“Accordingly, we find no merit in this appeal which we dismiss and uphold the sentences imposed by the two courts below,” the judges ruled.

The two were charged in 2016 with trafficking 2,121 grams of heroin with a street value of Sh6,363,8780, the Kenyan Star reports.