Socialite and businesswoman Funmilayo Arike Ogbuaya, popularly known as Ariket, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for substance smuggling. The 61-year-old was convicted by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of conspiracy, possession, and unlawful exportation of a substance weighing 1.595 kilograms to Saudi Arabia.
Details of the Case
Ariket, who owns D Square Event Centre, Zu-Ket Homes, and D Square, was arrested in 2017. Her co-defendant, Odeyemi Omolara, was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and allegedly confessed that Ariket supplied the substance. Omolara was previously sentenced to 25 years in prison. A security guard at Ariket's residence testified that Omolara stayed overnight before her arrest and that Ariket drove her to the airport. Ariket denied the allegations, claiming she only provided financial assistance, but admitted to taking Omolara to the airport.
Sentence and Reactions
Justice Dipeolu ruled that Ariket would serve 15 years on each of three counts, with the sentences running concurrently, starting from 2017. This means she has already served nine years and will be released in 2032. Social media users reacted strongly, with some warning against envy of wealthy lifestyles. Comments included: "Team 'God when?' hope you're learning from the arrest of your role models," and "She is in her 50s, meaning at 70-80 she'll still be serving." Others clarified the concurrent sentence, noting she will serve only six more years.
Related Context
In a separate incident, Nollywood actress Angela Okorie shared her experience at Suleja Correctional Centre, describing it as life-changing after bringing supplies to children born in prison.
