By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone — September 11, 2025: Magistrate John Manson Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 has committed businesswoman Mishella Koroma to the High Court for trial after she was allegedly found in possession of two parcels of cocaine at Freetown International Airport, Lungi.
The committal ruling was delivered on Thursday, following a preliminary investigation into four criminal charges brought against Koroma. The charges include: Collecting a prohibited drug without lawful authority; dealing in a prohibited drug; transporting a prohibited drug; and possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority.
These offenses are in violation of Section 7(b) of the National Drug Control Act No. 10 of 2008.
During the preliminary investigation, the prosecution called three formal witnesses who were cross-examined by the defense. Magistrate Fornah emphasized the legal principle that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, referencing Woolmington v. DPP (1935) and Koroma v. R (1964–66) ALR SL 424 to underscore the standard of proof required in criminal cases.
“If the prosecution fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, the accused must be acquitted as a matter of right,” Magistrate Fornah stated.
However, he concluded that the prosecution had presented prima facie evidence sufficient to warrant committal to the High Court for further trial.
Defense counsel C. Pujeh applied for bail on behalf of Koroma, citing the availability of reliable sureties. The application was denied due to the seriousness of the offense.
According to the indictment, the alleged incident occurred on Sunday, May 10, 2025, at the Freetown International Airport in the Port Loko District. Police claim that Koroma collected, transported, and was found in possession of cocaine without lawful authority.
The accused has made ten court appearances since her initial arraignment and has remained in custody throughout the proceedings.
The case will now proceed to the High Court, where Koroma will face trial on all four counts.