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 transporting a prohibited drug without lawful authority contrary to Section 7(b) of the same Act.
According to the particulars of offence, on Thursday, 16th 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.
Count two further alleges that on the same date and at the same location, the accused transported the prohibited drug without lawful authority.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
State Prosecutor A. B. N. Taylor Kamara Esq. tendered the caution and charge statements, along with other supporting documents, which were admitted as exhibits.
Defence counsel Brima Jah Esq. cross-examined the witness and applied for bail on behalf of the defendant pursuant to Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
However, Magistrate Jah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offences, and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 8th December 2025.