By: Audrey Raymonda John
In a recent court appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown, thirty-year-old Michael Samu, a plumber, and twenty-seven-year-old Sahr James Junisa, a bike rider, found themselves facing four counts of drug-related charges. The charges included unlawful possession of Kush and selling prohibited drugs without lawful authority, contravening section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008 (Act No.10 of 2008).
The alleged offenses took place on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Carrol Drive, Guma Compound, Hill Station, in the Western Area of Freetown. Samu was allegedly found with twenty-seven wraps of Kush, weighing 14.4 grams, while Junisa was found with twelve wraps of Kush, also weighing 14.4 grams. Additionally, both individuals were accused of selling the prohibited substance without lawful authority at the same location on the same date.
During the court proceedings, both accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them. They appeared in court without legal representation.
Sergeant 9939 Mohamed Lahai, serving as the lead prosecution witness, provided testimonydetailing the events leading to the arrests. Inspector Ibrahim Bayoh, attached to the Mountain Division as the Oppos Minor Deputy Operation Officer, corroborated the testimony, recalling their routine patrol on January 28, 2024. Acting on intelligence regarding a ghetto in the area, they conducted raids where Samu and Junisa were apprehended with the suspected drugs. The police report authored by Inspector Bayoh was submitted as evidence.
Following the proceedings, Magistrate Kekura denied bail for the accused persons and ordered their remand at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to March 5, 2024, for further hearing.
