By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mishella Koroma, a businesswoman, was on Thursday, September 11, 2025, committed to the High Court for further trial by Magistrate John Manson Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 after she was found in possession of two parcels of cocaine at Freetown International Airport, Lungi.
Magistrate Fornah, in his committal ruling, stated that the accused stands trial on four charges and that the matter would proceed by way of Preliminary Investigation (PI).
The prosecution called three formal witnesses who were fully cross-examined during the proceedings. Magistrate Fornah emphasized that, in all criminal cases, it is the prosecution’s duty to prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. He referred to the legal principle known as the burden and standard of proof, as established in the case of Woolington vs DPP (1935).
“However, if the prosecution fails to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt, the accused must, as of right and not by way of favor, be found not gIn conclusion, Magistrate Fornah noted that since this is a Preliminary Investigation, the requirement is to establish prima facie evidence connecting the accused with the offenses charged, which justifies committing the case to the High Court for further trial.
After the committal ruling, the defense counsel, C. Pujeh, applied for bail on behalf of the accused, arguing that she has reliable sureties willing to stand for her. However, Magistrate Fornah refused bail due to the serious nature of the offense.
As a result, Mishella Koroma was committed to the High Court for further trial.
It is recalled that Mishella Koroma was arraigned before the court on four charges, including: Collecting a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 7(b) of the National Drug Control Act No. 10 of 2008. Dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority. Transporting a prohibited drug without lawful authority. Possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority.
According to the indictment, on Sunday, May 10, 2025, at Freetown International Airport in the Port Loko District, Northern Province, the accused allegedly collected a prohibited drug without lawful authority. It is also alleged that she dealt in a prohibited drug, transported a prohibited drug, and was found in possession of two small parcels of cocaine on the same date and location.
Before her committal to the High Court, Mishella Koroma made 10 subsequent appearances in court and has been in prison since her arrest.