By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone — February 16, 2026: The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced Ibrahim Lesford, a community headman at Cline Town, to 20 years imprisonment after convicting him on two counts of unlawful possession of drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008.
Lesford was arrested on October 4, 2024, in possession of 30.5 grams of kush and 25.5 grams of tramadol without lawful authority. He initially pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The prosecution presented three witnesses to establish its case. Assistant Superintendent of Police Joseph Stevens, a forensic analyst, confirmed through chemical and microscopic analysis that the seized substances tested positive for synthetic cannabinoid and tramadol hydrochloride, with traces of fentanyl, pethidine, and levorphanol.
Detective Police Constable Baindu Winifred Dassama testified that 320 wraps of kush and five cards of tramadol were found in Lesford’s possession during the arrest.
Detective Sergeant Buya Abu Koroma, attached to the Exhibit Office, confirmed registering the seized drugs and tendering them in court as exhibits.
Lesford, testifying in his own defense, claimed he was arrested unfairly. He alleged that an unknown man entered his home during a police raid and left a plastic bag containing drugs on his couch. He further stated that he was beaten and forced to sign a statement at the OSD Headquarters. His wife, Alice Lesford, was barred from testifying under Section 84(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
Delivering the ruling, Honourable Justice Mark Ngegba stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. He emphasized that no evidence was presented to show Lesford had lawful authority to possess the drugs.
“Based on the evidence presented in court by the prosecution, it is very clear that the defendant was unlawfully in possession of the above drugs, and I therefore sentence him to twenty (20) years imprisonment,” Justice Ngegba declared.
The State was represented by A. Jalloh and E. A. Deen, while the defense was led by C. Campbell.