Court No. 5, Main Law Courts Building, Freetown, 23rd October 2025: High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker, has sentenced two people for unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008.

The Defendants, Sheka Kamara aged 25, of Leah Street, off Kissy Road, Freetown, and Abu Bakarr Sesay aged 55, of Kosso Town, Freetown, were arraigned before the High Court on a one-count indictment of unlawful possession of drugs contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008.

According to the particulars of offence, Sheka Kamara, on the 28th day of March 2024, at Freetown in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone, was found in possession of 25 grams of Kush without lawful authority.

Similarly, Abu Bakarr Sesay, on the 27th day of October 2024, at Malta Street in the east end of Freetown, was found in possession of 60.5 grams of Kush, also without lawful authority.

Both Defendants pleaded guilty to the charge.

In her sentencing remarks, Honourable Justice Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker noted that the Court had taken into consideration the Defendants’ early guilty pleas and their expressions of remorse, emphasizing that this had saved the Court’s valuable time.

She, however, underscored that offences of this nature are serious and increasingly prevalent in society, stressing that drug abuse and illegal possession continue to have devastating effects on communities. She stated that the Court must mark its disapproval through deterrent custodial sentences.

The Defendants were accordingly convicted as charged.

Sheka Kamara was sentenced to twelve (12) years imprisonment at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre.

Abu Bakarr Sesay was sentenced to ten (10) years imprisonment at the same correctional facility.

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