Tonto Dikeh risks 15-year jail term over hemp photos

Nigerian actress/singer, Tonto Dikeh risks a minimum of 15 years in jail for encouraging the consumption of marijuana, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said on Friday said.
Earlier this month, June 11 to be precise, Dikeh posted pictures of a wrap of hemp and grains of the weed formed to spell out: ‘Happy birthday POKO.’
She also posted a one of herself looking high with the caption: ‘Mi smoke ganja mi smoke weed while my hatez smoke ma gossip.’

Since the pictures went viral on Friday, the NDLEA spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said they would have to investigate the matter further.
“Our attention has been drawn to the post quite frankly and I can tell you that action will be taken on it. The law is clear and NDLEA has been very clear on the issue. No one is permitted to sell, use, cultivate or encourage the use of Indian hemp in Nigeria. The weed is one of the banned narcotics in the country.
“NDLEA Act Section 14 (b) states that any person who conspires with, aids, abets, counsels, attempts to commit or is an accessory to any act or offence referred to in this act shall be guilty of an offence under this act and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not less than 15 years and not exceeding 25 years.
“Investigation has not started as of now but definitely, a step has to be taken on the matter. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse; so, it is obvious that the actress stands the risk of 15 years jail term. The appropriate department is meeting on the issue for necessary action.”
According to reports, the NDLEA spokesman, however, declined to give any hint on particular steps the agency would take in its investigation, citing reasons bearing on ethics.
Foreign artistes like Rihanna, Snoop Lion and more have uploaded photos of themselves promoting the consumption of weed.