MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Criminal Court C Judge Blamo Dixon has sentenced drug trafficker George Ikpehehukwu, known as “Original Japan,” to 20 years in prison following his conviction by trial jurors. Co-defendants Peter Mamah, Ndubuisi Okonkwo, and Bridgestone Harris also received five-year sentences for their involvement in a drug trafficking operation with a street value of US$36,235, or approximately five million Liberian dollars.
Judge Dixon, in his ruling, highlighted the evidence presented during the trial, which linked the defendants to the illicit drug trade. The court found that Obi (Original Japan), Mamah, Okonkwo, and Harris were involved in the unlawful maintenance and distribution of controlled substances. The judge ordered the Clerk of Court to request a pre-sentencing investigation from the Probation Services Department to determine whether the defendants are first-time or habitual offenders.
The charges against the convicted individuals included unlawful maintenance and sale of controlled drugs, unlicensed sale and distribution of controlled substances, and criminal conspiracy. Despite these serious charges, the judge acquitted four other individuals, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a direct link between them and the drug crimes. Judge Dixon further stated that investigators from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) had wrongly charged these individuals, as the evidence showed they were merely visitors to the compound and not involved in the drug activities.
The defense lawyers for Obi, Mamah, Okonkwo, and Harris have appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of Liberia, as is their legal right.
Original Japan was arrested by the LDEA when Ab Kromah was serving as the Director-General. At the time of their arrest, the suspects were found in possession of a large quantity of narcotic substances, including cocaine, heroin, and tramadol, with an estimated value of five million Liberian dollars.
