By: Audrey Raymonda John
Denis Koroma, a businessman has been arraigned before magistrate Mark Ngegba of court No.1 in Freetown on four counts of the offence of possession of firearms, transfer of firearms without a license, importation of prohibited drugs, and unlawful possession of cannabis sativa contrary to law.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Monday 13th March 2023 at Queen Elizabeth iii Quay Freetown, the accused was found in possession of one black and silver colour Taurus Bainbridge pistol with serial number ACK 409049 G3c 19×19 and 11 rounds of ammunition without a license.
On count two, on Tuesday 6th December 2022 and Monday 13th March 2023 at the same place, the accused transferred from the Philadelphia United States of America to Freetown a firearm with the aforesaid pistol and ammunition without a license, while
It was stated on counts three and four on the police charge sheet that on the same day and place, the accused was found in possession of an imported prohibited drug to wit cannabis sativa weighing 50.0 grams.
The accused pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
After the charge was read police Prosecutor ASP Wellington sought from the Bench f a short date, noting that he did not have a proper conference with his witness.
Lead Defense Counsel C. A Bangura requested bail for his Client assuring the Bench that the accused would not jump bail if admitted to bail.
The learned Lawyer cited section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.
Magistrate Ngegba refused bail noting the seriousness of the offences and
adjourned the matter to Wednesday 5th April 2023.