By: Audrey Raymonda John
High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Mark Ngegba, has sentenced businessman Umaru Mansaray to twenty (20) years imprisonment following his conviction on four counts of unlawful possession of drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).
Mansaray was arraigned before the court and pleaded not guilty, leading the case to proceed to trial. The State alleged that between 1st and 22nd July 2025, in Bo, Southern Region of Sierra Leone, the accused was found in possession of 10.5 grams and 20 grams of kush without lawful authority.
Prosecution witness ASP Joseph Stevens, attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), testified that he specialized in analyzing drugs and chemical substances. He explained that on 22nd July 2025, he received samples of 10.5 grams and 20 grams of kush for laboratory testing. ASP Stevens confirmed that the tests revealed the substances found in the accused’s possession were indeed kush. At the close of the prosecution’s case, the defendant relied on his police statement.
In his ruling, Justice Ngegba emphasized that the prosecution had the responsibility to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. He noted that the accused admitted possession of the kush but failed to demonstrate any lawful authority to possess the prohibited substance. Based on the totality of the evidence, Justice Ngegba declared the defendant guilty of the offences charged.
Plea and Sentencing
During his allocutus, Mansaray pleaded for mercy. However, representing the State, Lawyer A. Jalloh urged the court to consider the gravity of the crime, stressing that such acts tarnish Sierra Leone’s reputation.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Ngegba stated:“I hold that the Prosecution has provided sufficient evidence to warrant a guilty verdict against the Defendant. Hence, the defendant is found guilty as charged and is sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment.”