K S A 's former guitarist jailed for drug trafficking

Abiodun Fatoke (62), who played the guitar for Juju musician King Sunny Ade for three decades was sentenced yesterday at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, He was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on January 1 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy.

Two parcels of cocaine, weighing 1.575kg, were found in his luggage.

Fatoke, who has three wives and 12 children, pleaded guilty to the charge.

Justice S. Seidu sentenced him to three years imprisonment with effect from the date of arrest.

Blaming his involvement in trafficking on financial hardship, Fatoke said: “After my primary education, I spent one year in secondary school before I went into music. I can play any kind of guitar but my music career is a sad story. I played for King Sunny Ade for 30 years before I was unceremoniously retired in 2007.

“I was unprepared and without severance money, I saw the bitter side of life. This is my first time of involving in drug trafficking. I did it out of frustration because at my age, I cannot provide for my family. I am ashamed of myself.”

Buy top brand Fashion at Jumia.com.ng! On how he got involved in drug trafficking, Fatoke said: “I live in Ibadan with my family. I got a call from a friend and was invited to Lagos, where I was given N50, 000 and they said arrangements would be made for me to travel soon.

“They promised to pay me N1 million. If not for my condition, I would have turned down the offer, but it was my last hope to be free from financial difficulty.

“I was given the bag and my ticket, but at the airport, NDLEA officials detected the drug. Since then, I have been in deep pains. I feel bad because I have no one to help me.”

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade called for stiffer penalties for drug offenders.

Giade said: “Punishment must be commensurate to the crime to deter others. The drug is worth several millions of naira and the damage to humanity cannot be quantified”.

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