SHAH ALAM, March 20 — A Nigerian studying at a private college in Malaysia was sentenced to death by hanging after the High Court here today found him guilty of trafficking in 725.4g of methamphetamine three years ago.

Luke Nnaemeka Ugwu, 29, committed the offence at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport arrival hall in Sepang at 9.45pm on May 15, 2012.

Justice Datuk Abdul Alim Abdullah found his defence to be a mere denial.  

Deputy public prosecutor Hasifulkhair Mohd Jamaluddin and Husniyah Hanapi represented the prosecution while counsel Hasnan Hamzah defended Luke.

In the same court, two other Nigerian students escaped the noose after one of them pleaded guilty to an alternative charge.

Onyeme Chibunna Okechukwu, 31, and Obdiegwu Chinwuba Sigismund, 29, initially claimed trial to trafficking in 4,432g of cannabis, under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death sentence.

They were accused of committing the offence at the parking lot at Magna Villa Condo, Selayang around 1am on February 20, 2012.

When the trial was about to commence today, Onyeme pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of drug possession and received a 12-year sentence and 12 strokes of the cane, while Obdiegwu was acquitted.

The judge ordered Onyeme to serve the jail term from the date of his arrest on February 20, 2012.

Deputy public prosecutor Norhani Mohamad Adzhar prosecuted while Onyeme was represented by counsel Gurbachan Singh. — Bernama