By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mohamed Mansaray, 69, was committed to the High Court after being charged with possession and dealing of cannabis sativa without lawful authority. Mansaray appeared before Magistrate Fornah alongside three other defendants but was unable to represent himself due to his age and health condition.
He faces two counts including possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008). Dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 7(c) of the same Act.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at #107 Peninsular Road, Goderich, Western Area, Freetown, Mansaray was allegedly found in possession of loose cannabis sativa and 92 wraps of cannabis sativa without lawful authority. Count two further alleges that he dealt in the prohibited drug on the same date and location.
When the charges were read to him, Mansaray did not enter a plea. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, the prosecutor, presented witnesses and evidence, after which the file was withdrawn for ruling.
Before delivering his ruling, Magistrate Fornah asked the defendant why he had cannabis in his possession. Mansaray stated that he is a sickle cell patient. The magistrate also reviewed a statement the defendant had allegedly made to the police admitting to processing cannabis sativa at home on the stated date. Mansaray denied the statement, claiming that the police wrote it themselves. He further informed the court that his father, Foday Mohamed Mansaray, a retired judge, passed away in 2018.
Magistrate Fornah emphasized that the offences charged are serious and that it was the prosecution’s duty to provide sufficient evidence connecting the defendant to the crimes. After reviewing all formal witnesses, exhibits, and the defendant’s cautionary statements, the magistrate concluded that sufficient evidence exists to warrant committing the matter to the High Court for trial.
The defendant’s matter will now proceed to the High Court, where he will stand trial for possession and dealing of cannabis sativa.