A Nigerian court has sentenced 38-year-old South African national Will Jessica Ann to 25 years in prison for importing 5.75kg of heroin into Nigeria.
Ann was arrested on 6 July 2026 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after arriving from Doha. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said officers found 14 blocks of heroin hidden in two suitcases. She was travelling with her three-year-old son.
Ann later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import heroin and unlawful importation of the drug. She also admitted working with another South African, Jan Coenraad De Jager, who is still at large.
On 17 September 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced her for conspiracy and drug importation. During sentencing, Ann expressed remorse and told the court that she did not know the bags contained drugs.
