By: Audrey Raymonda John
A footballer, AbdulRahman Kamara, also known as “Sixer,” has been remanded in custody after appearing before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on multiple drug-related charges.
Kamara is facing a four-count charge, including collecting a prohibited drug without lawful authority, possession of a prohibited drug, dealing in prohibited drugs, and selling a prohibited drug, all contrary to various sections of the National Drug Control Act 2008.
According to the prosecution, on December 26, 2024, at No. 15 Humphrey Lane, Cline Town in Freetown, Kamara was allegedly found in possession of 96 wraps of a substance suspected to be kush without lawful authority. The charge sheet further stated that he was engaged in dealing and selling the prohibited drug.
When the charges were read to him, no plea was taken.
Sergeant 3379 Ballay T led the prosecution’s first witness, Sergeant 9859 Sahr Sundu Koroma, an investigator attached to the Harbour Police Station. Testifying in court, Koroma confirmed that he received a case and inquiry file related to Kamara on February 14, 2025. The file contained a request for forensic examination, a laboratory analysis request, and the 96 wraps of suspected kush.
Koroma said he and Sergeant 9589 Tabatie later formally charged Kamara with unlawful possession of drugs. He explained that Kamara was cautioned and interviewed in Krio, with his statement recorded in English. The accused reportedly admitted the statement’s accuracy by affixing his right-hand thumbprint.
During cross-examination, defense counsel S. L. J. Forah Sesay applied for bail, arguing that Kamara is a student, not a flight risk, and has credible sureties. He assured the court that Kamara would not interfere with prosecution witnesses and cited the Bail Regulations of 2018 and Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965 in support of the application.
However, Magistrate Bangura denied the bail request, citing the gravity of the charges. Kamara was remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown, and the matter was adjourned to March 6, 2025.
