By Mamajah Jalloh | Court Correspondent
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Charles Udom was arraigned before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Wednesday, 7th May 2025, facing four serious charges related to the unlawful possession and trafficking of cocaine.
The charges against Udom include Collecting a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority, Transporting a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority, Dealing in a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority, and Possession of a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority. All charges are in violation of the National Drug Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).
According to the police charge sheet, Udom is accused of collecting, transporting, and dealing in cocaine at Freetown International Airport, Lungi, on Sunday, 23rd March 2025. Authorities allege that he was also found in possession of 25 pellets of cocaine on the same date and location.
No plea was entered when the charges were read before the court.
In court, the state prosecutor, Sergeant 8811 Wilson F.M, presented testimony from Sahr Sundu, a Detective Sergeant with the Transnational Organized Crime Unit at Hastings Police Station. Sundu outlined the investigation, which began on 21st March 2025 with a transfer of the case and an inquiry file containing the suspected cocaine seized at the airport.
Sundu testified that after obtaining a voluntary statement from Udom, he and his colleague, Sergeant 9589 JabatI J BK, questioned the accused, with the statement being recorded in both Krio and English. Udom allegedly admitted to the charges and signed the statement, which was later tendered as Exhibit A1-10, B1-5, and C1-2.
On 24th March 2025, a forensic analysis was requested to test the substance, and a report was produced confirming the substance was cocaine. The forensic report, marked “Z”, was later tendered in court.
During cross-examination by defense counsel A.H Navo, Udom’s legal team applied for bail, citing the accused’s cooperation with the process, his reliable sureties, and health concerns. However, Magistrate Bangura refused bail, ruling that Udom posed a flight risk and lacked sufficient assurance of his appearance in court.
Magistrate Bangura adjourned the case to 13th May 2025 for further proceedings.
