By: Audrey Raymonda John
Hon. Justice Santigie Bangura, presiding at the High Court in Kono, has sentenced Tamba Saffa to eighteen (18) years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of Kush.
According to the statement of offence, the convict was charged with unlawful possession of drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008.
Police alleged that on 6 December 2025, in Kono, Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, Tamba Saffa was found in possession of fifty-eight (58) wraps of Kush without lawful authority.
When the charge was read and explained to him, the accused pleaded guilty.
During mitigation, defence counsel A.O. Kamara informed the court that the convict was a first-time offender who had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had not wasted the court’s time. Counsel further stated that the convict was a young man who had shown remorse and expressed willingness to reform.
The defence therefore pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, urging that the accused be given a lenient sentence in consideration of his admission of guilt and cooperation with the court.
In his ruling, Justice Bangura considered the plea for mitigation but noted the seriousness of the offence and its impact on society. He accordingly sentenced Tamba Saffa to eighteen (18) years’ imprisonment.
The prosecution was led by C.F. Sesay Esq.