By: Audrey Raymonda John
A high-profile drug case involving the alleged production and distribution of the banned substance known as kush has taken a significant turn. On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Principal Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 committed all four accused persons to stand trial at the High Court.
The accused Andrew Momoh Jah (bike rider), Daniel Kamara (laborer), Zainab Kamara (businesswoman), and Thomas Leigh Koroma (unemployed) are jointly facing 13 serious charges relating to the unlawful manufacture, possession, and sale of kush, following a police operation conducted on November 20, 2024, at No. 66 Kanu Drive, Temne Town, Allen Town.
The prosecution presented testimony from four witnesses and tendered 33 exhibits believed to be linked to kush production. Citing Section 108 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965, the prosecution argued that a strong prima facie case had been established and subsequently closed its case.
In response, the defense argued that the prosecution’s application lacked legal merit and urged the court to independently assess whether a case had been made. However, Magistrate Jah overruled the defense and stated:
“This is not a trial but a judicial investigation to determine whether the accused persons should stand trial at the High Court. The prosecution has presented sufficient evidence. I therefore dismiss the defense’s submission and commit all the accused persons to the High Court.”
During the committal proceedings, the accused were given an opportunity to make statements. The first accused claimed that the police entered the premises without a warrant and forced them to give statements. He further alleged that no drugs were found and that money allegedly taken from him was never presented as evidence in court. The fourth accused echoed similar claims, stating that officers broke down the door and took cash that was not later tendered. The second accused chose not to call any witnesses during the proceedings.
All four accused remain in remand custody as the matter is set to proceed to the High Court for full trial.