By: Audrey Raymonda John
Janet Mariama Kamara, a surveyor, Thaimu Kargbo, a civil engineer, and Abu Bakarr Conteh, a businessman, made their first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on two charges:
Possession of a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008), and Dealing in a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority contrary to Section 7(c) of the same Act.
The particulars of the offence state that on Wednesday, 4 October 2025, at Sahara Hotel, Makeni, in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone, the three defendants were found in possession of thirty-seven half-filled polythene bags, each containing loose quantities of Kush (a type of cannabis) without lawful authority.
The second charge accuses the defendants of dealing in the prohibited drug at the same location and date.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, no plea was taken.
The state prosecutor, A.B.N. Taylor Kamara Esq., requested a short adjournment to prepare evidence and serve the defense counsel with the necessary documents.
The defense counsel, Z. Denkeh Esq., applied for bail on behalf of the defendants, arguing that they are Sierra Leonean residents within the jurisdiction of the court. He stated that they have reliable sureties who are willing to stand as guarantors and that the defendants will make themselves available on each adjournment date. The application was made pursuant to Section 76(1)(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 8 of 2024.
However, Magistrate Jah refused bail and remanded the defendants to the male and female correctional facilities in Freetown. The matter has been adjourned to 6 November 2025.