By: Audrey Raymonda John
Hon. Justice Santigie Bangura, presiding at the High Court in Kono, has sentenced Abdulai Sankoh to fifteen (15) years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to a Kush-related offence.
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.
The particulars of the offence stated that on 11 December 2025, in Kono, Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, Abdulai Sankoh was found in possession of eleven (11) 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 remorseful and pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
In his ruling, Justice Bangura noted that the convict was a first-time offender and had pleaded guilty without wasting the court’s time. However, considering the seriousness of the offence, he sentenced Abdulai Sankoh to fifteen (15) years’ imprisonment.