By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mohamed Hassan Juma and Alfai Shabani Mkobela, both Tanzanian nationals and businessmen, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown. The two are facing four counts of possession and collection of prohibited drugs without lawful authority, contrary to Sections 7(b) and 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act, 2008 (Act No. 4.10 of 2008).
According to the particulars of the offence, on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, at Freetown International Airport, the accused were found in possession of 34 compressed parcels of cocaine, which they allegedly collected without lawful authority.
When the charges were read and explained to them in court, no plea was taken.
Leading the prosecution, State Counsel A.B.N. Taylor Kamara Esq. called Police Constable Alhaji Dauda Sandi (15113), attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), as the first prosecution witness. Sandi testified that on 23rd October 2024, while on duty, he received a transfer case and inquiry file from the Airport Police Station regarding the alleged unlawful possession.
He further told the court that the accused persons were arrested on 4th November 2024.
As part of the investigation, Sandi said that he and Inspector Steven A. Turay obtained voluntary caution statements from both accused persons on 23rd October 2024. The statements were recorded in English, and after being read and explained to the accused, they were confirmed to be accurate. Each accused appended their right-hand thumbprint, with Inspector Turay acting as witness, and Sandi signing as the recorder.
The statements were tendered in court as Exhibits D1–14 (for the first accused) and E1–9 (for the second accused).
Sandi also explained that a forensic analysis request was submitted on 23rd October 2024, and the forensic report, dated 4th November 2024, identified Exhibits Z1–4 as part of the evidence. In addition, legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), dated 13th November 2024, was tendered in court as Exhibit G.
Sandi confirmed that all procedures during the investigation were lawfully followed, and that all statements were properly recorded and submitted as part of the court record.
Following the testimony, Magistrate Jah ordered that both accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to 10th September 2025.