By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – December 3, 2025: A driver, Senesie Bah, was on Wednesday remanded by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 after being found in possession of cannabis sativa without lawful authority.
Bah faces two counts: 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 transporting a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 7(b) of the same Act.
According to the indictment, Bah was arrested on October 16, 2025, at the Wanjama police checkpoint along the Bo–Kenema Highway, where he was allegedly found with fourteen bundles of cannabis sativa. The charge further alleges that he transported the prohibited drug on the same date and location.
When the charges were read and explained, Bah did not enter a plea. State Prosecutor A.B.N. Taylor Kamara tendered the defendant’s caution and charge statements, along with other documents, as exhibits. The defense counsel cross-examined the police witness based on Bah’s statement to the police.
Defense Counsel Jah later applied for bail under Section 76(1)(C) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024. However, Magistrate Jah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, and ordered Bah to be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The matter has been adjourned to December 8, 2025, for continuation.