By: Audrey Raymonda John
Senesie Bah, a driver, made his first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on two counts:
Possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008), and
Transportation of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 7(b) of the same Act.
According to the particulars of offence, on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at the Wanjama Police Checkpoint along the Bo-Kenema Highway in the Kenema Judicial District, Eastern Province, the accused was found in possession of fourteen bundles of cannabis sativa without lawful authority.
The second count alleges that on the same date and location, the accused transported the prohibited drug without lawful authority.
When both charges were read and explained, no plea was taken.
State Prosecutor A.B.N. Taylor Kamara Esq. tendered the caution statement, charge statement, and other supporting documents, which were admitted as exhibits and made part of the court record.
Defence counsel Brima Jah Esq. renewed his previous bail application on behalf of the accused.
However, Magistrate Jah, in his ruling, stated that after examining the evidence presented so far, he is satisfied that the prosecution has produced sufficient evidence to warrant committal of the matter to the High Court for trial. The accused was therefore committed to stand trial before the High Court and was not granted bail.