By: Audrey Raymonda John
Charles Udom, a Nigerian national, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on four counts related to illegal drug activities. The charges are based on alleged violations of the National Drug Control Act 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008.
Udom faces the following charges: Collecting a prohibited drug without lawful authority (Section 7(b)), Transporting a prohibited drug without lawful authority (Section 7(b)), Dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority (Section 7(c)) and Possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority (Section 8(a))
According to court documents, on Sunday, 23rd March 2025, at the National Airport in Lungi, Port Loko District, Northern Province, Udom allegedly collected, transported, dealt in, and was found in possession of 25 pellets of cocaine, all without lawful authority.
When the charges were read and explained in court, no plea was taken.
The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Isatu Baba Musa, requested a short adjournment to allow time to confer with her witness. Udom appeared without legal representation.
Magistrate Bangura refused bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 25th April 2025.