By: Audrey Raymonda John
Charles Udom, a Nigerian national, made his final appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Wednesday, 27th August 2025. He faces four charges related to the unlawful collection, sale, transportation, and possession of prohibited drugs.
The charges against Udom include collecting a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 7(b) of the National Drug Control Act 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008. Transporting a prohibited drug without lawful authority, also contrary to Section 7(b) of the National Drug Control Act 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008. Dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority, in violation of Section 7(c) of the National Drug Control Act 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008. Possessing a prohibited drug without lawful authority, in contravention of Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008.
According to the police charge sheet, the accused allegedly committed the offenses on Sunday, 23rd March 2025, at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi, in the Port Loko District of the Northern Province. The charges specify that on this date, Udom collected a prohibited drug without lawful authority, transported a prohibited drug without lawful authority, dealt in a prohibited drug without lawful authority and was found in possession of twenty-five (25) pellets of cocaine.
When the charges were read to Udom, no plea was taken. State Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police, Sorie Conteh, informed the court that the prosecution had closed its case and requested a ruling.
The Defense Counsel, A.H. Navo, applied for the accused to be granted bail, seeking to adopt his previous bail conditions.
Magistrate Fornah, after reviewing the caution statement and evidence presented, determined that the prosecution had provided sufficient evidence to link the accused to the charges. As a result, he ruled that Udom has a case to answer in the High Court. The accused was therefore committed to stand trial at the High Court, and the court denied him bail.