By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mohamed Kamara, a footballer, has been committed to stand trial at the High Court of Sierra Leone after Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him on five counts related to the illegal handling of a prohibited drug, commonly known as kush.
Kamara faces the following charges under the National Drug Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008) include count 1; collecting a prohibited drug without lawful authority contrary to Section 7(b). Count 2; Transporting a prohibited drug without lawful authority – contrary to Section 7(c). Count 3; Exposing a prohibited drug without lawful authority – contrary to Section 7(c). Count 4; Dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority – contrary to Section 7(c) and count 5; Possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority – contrary to Section 8(a)
According to the police charge sheet, on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, the accused was arrested at the Lumley Police Checkpoint in Freetown, where he was allegedly found in possession of kush. The charges also allege that he was collecting, transporting, exposing, and dealing the drug without any lawful authority.
When the charges were read and explained in court, no plea was taken, and Kamara was not legally represented during the proceedings.
During the final appearance, the State Prosecutor informed the court that the prosecution had closed its case, having completed the presentation of evidence and witnesses.nIn his ruling, Magistrate Fornah stated “I am satisfied that the prosecution has adduced sufficient prima facie evidence connecting the accused with the offences charged, which warrants a committal of this matter to the High Court for trial.”
Consequently, Mohamed Kamara was committed to stand trial at the High Court, where he will face full proceedings on the drug-related charges.