By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN — A Nigerian national, Iwuchukwu Ebere Christian, from Imo State, has been brought before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown following his arrest at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi for allegedly possessing 46 pellets of cocaine.
The accused was arraigned on four counts, including transportation, collection, and possession of prohibited drugs — all in violation of Section 7(B) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008. According to police allegations, the incident took place on 25 June 2025 at Lungi Airport, located in the Port Loko Judicial District. Christian is said to have been caught transporting and dealing in cocaine without lawful authority.
During Monday’s hearing, no plea was entered. State Prosecutor Nathaniel Williams requested an adjournment, citing that he had only recently received the case file and was not yet prepared to proceed with the matter. The magistrate granted the adjournment, and the accused was remanded in custody until 24 July 2025.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, which underscores growing concerns over drug trafficking through the country’s major international gateway.