By: Audrey Raymonda John
Marie Keita, a student, made her first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing three charges related to the possession and dealing of illegal drugs.
The charges include possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008). Dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 7(c) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008. Selling a prohibited drug without lawful authority, also contrary to Section 7(c) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008.
According to the indictment, on Monday, 27th October 2025, at 4 White Stone, Congo Town, Makeni, in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone, the defendant was found in possession of two hundred wraps of kush and four black polythene bags, each containing loose quantities of kush, without lawful authority.
The second count states that on the same date and at the same location, Keita was involved in the illegal dealing of the prohibited drug, while the third count alleges, she sold the drug without lawful authority.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Isatu Baba Musa, the prosecutor, requested a short adjournment to allow time for her to present witnesses.
In response, Defense Counsel A.R. Gbla informed the court that the defense team had been served with copies of the documents and now wished to request a date to review the documents before proceeding further.
Magistrate Fornah refused bail and ordered the defendant to be remanded at the female correctional facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 17th November 2025 for further proceedings.