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The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced 38-year-old South African national, Will Ann, to 25 years’ imprisonment after convicting her of unlawfully importing 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin into Nigeria.
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Ann was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after arriving from Doha aboard a Qatar Airways flight while travelling with her three-year-old son.
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Although she pleaded guilty and later appealed to the court for mercy, saying she was remorseful and unaware that the bag contained illicit drugs, Justice Obiora Egwuatu said the law could not be influenced by emotions.
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The court imposed 15 years’ imprisonment on the first count and 25 years on the second, with the sentences to run concurrently, and ordered the destruction of the seized heroin if the convict does not appeal within the period allowed by law.
September 17, (THEWILL) – The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 38-year-old South African woman, Will Ann, to 25 years’ imprisonment for importing 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin into Nigeria.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Thursday, bringing to an end the prosecution of Ann, who had pleaded guilty to the drug trafficking charges filed against her by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Ann was arrested on July 6, 2026, during the inward clearance of passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
She had arrived aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR1433 from Doha and was travelling with her three-year-old son when NDLEA operatives intercepted her.
The agency subsequently established that she had 5.75kg of heroin and commenced investigations that culminated in her arraignment before the Federal High Court.
When she was arraigned in August, Ann pleaded guilty to the charges relating to the unlawful importation of the controlled substance.
Her guilty plea prompted the prosecution to present the facts of the case before the court, including the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the seizure of the heroin.
The prosecution also urged the court to take into consideration the commercial value of the drug in imposing sentence, informing the court that one kilogramme of heroin was worth approximately N18 million.
In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu said Ann had also admitted committing the offence in an extrajudicial statement made before her arraignment.
The judge held that the law was settled that a guilty plea, once supported by the facts of the case, provided the basis for conviction. He consequently convicted Ann on the two counts.
However, before sentence was imposed, the convict pleaded with the court for mercy.
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Ann told the court that she was remorseful and promised not to engage in such an act again. She also claimed that she did not know there were illicit drugs in the bag.
Justice Egwuatu rejected the appeal for leniency, stressing that the seriousness of the offence could not be determined by emotion.
“Crime does not pay,” the judge said, adding that the law does not respect emotions.
The court thereafter sentenced Ann to 15 years’ imprisonment on the first count and 25 years on the second count.
Justice Egwuatu ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning Ann will serve a maximum effective term of 25 years.
The judge also ordered that the 5.75kg of heroin be destroyed if the convict fails to appeal the judgment within the period prescribed by law.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
