Lagos socialite gets 15-year jail term over cocaine export attempt to Saudi Arabia

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced socialite and convicted drug trafficker, Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, also known as Ariket, to 15 years in prison for her role in the attempted export of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu delivered the judgment after finding Ogbuaya guilty on three counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession, and illegal exportation of narcotics. The court imposed 15 years on each count but ordered that all terms run concurrently. The sentence is effective from 19 May 2017, the date of her arrest.

The ruling followed her conviction earlier in the proceedings, with sentencing deferred at the request of her legal team.

The case, filed as FHC/L/124C/2017, originated from the arrest of her co-defendant, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Monsurat Olabisi, who was intercepted on 23 February 2017 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

During investigation, Omolara implicated Ogbuaya, alleging she supplied the cocaine intended for export. Omolara later pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, now of the Court of Appeal.

Prosecution witnesses described how the operation unfolded. An arresting officer, Iyabode Shonibare, told the court that Omolara raised alarm at the point of arrest, claiming “Arike has killed me.” Other witnesses testified that Omolara consistently maintained that Ogbuaya provided her with the bag containing the illicit substance.

A security guard at Ogbuaya’s residence also testified that Omolara visited the property a day before her arrest and stayed overnight. He further stated that unidentified individuals had delivered the same bag later used in the drug attempt, and that Ogbuaya drove Omolara to the airport on the day of her arrest.

Ogbuaya denied involvement in drug trafficking, admitting only to knowing Omolara. She told the court that Omolara visited her for financial assistance and that she gave her ₦10,000. She also said she dropped her off at the airport while travelling separately to Ajase in the Republic of Benin, insisting she was unaware of any narcotics.

Despite her defence, the court held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted her on all charges.

During sentencing, defence counsel Yakubu Galadima asked the court to consider leniency, citing her status as a first-time offender, expressions of remorse, and family responsibilities. The court, however, proceeded with the custodial sentence in line with the law.