A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced Lagos socialite Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, popularly known as Ariket, to a total of 45 years in prison over drug trafficking charges involving Saudi Arabia.
The judgment, delivered by Dehinde Dipeolu, found her guilty on three counts — conspiracy, possession and unlawful exportation of cocaine.
Although she received 15 years on each count, the sentences will run concurrently, meaning she is to serve an effective 15-year term starting from May 19, 2017, the date of her arrest.
The case stemmed from the earlier arrest of her codefendant, Odeyemi Omolara, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in February 2017. Omolara, who had already pleaded guilty, was previously sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
During trial proceedings, prosecution witnesses detailed how the operation was allegedly carried out. Arresting officer testimony revealed that Omolara, upon being apprehended, immediately accused “Arike” of setting her up.
Further evidence linked Ogbuaya to the trafficking attempt, including testimony from a security guard at her residence, who stated that Omolara spent the night before her arrest at the house and was personally driven to the airport by the defendant. The court also heard that the luggage used for the operation had been delivered earlier by unidentified individuals.
In her defence, Ogbuaya admitted knowing Omolara but denied any involvement in drug trafficking. She maintained that she only offered her a small sum of money and a ride to the airport, insisting she had no knowledge of the illicit substance.
Her counsel, Yakubu Galadima, urged the court to show leniency, citing her status as a first-time offender with dependents.
However, the court upheld her conviction on all counts.