By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN — Nigerian national Iwuchukwu Ebere Christian has been committed to stand trial at the High Court following his alleged involvement in the trafficking of 46 pellets of cocaine at Sierra Leone’s Freetown International Airport in Lungi.
The committal was made on Tuesday, 26th August 2025, by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah, who ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence linking the accused to the crime. Christian faces three charges under the National Drugs Control Act of 2008, including collection, transportation, and dealing in prohibited drugs without lawful authority.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on 25th June 2025, when Christian was allegedly intercepted at the airport with the illicit substances. Forensic analyst Joseph Stevens, attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), testified that he received a request from Inspector Alpha Steven Turay to analyze the 46 pellets of a white substance suspected to be cocaine.
Stevens revealed that the total weight of the substance was 900.4 kilograms. He conducted chemical and microscopic tests in the presence of the accused, extracting two pellets for further analysis. His findings confirmed the substance to be cocaine hydrochloride, and the report was submitted to the court as Exhibit G1–2.
During cross-examination, defense counsel Kamara challenged the forensic process and chain of custody. However, State Counsel Nathaniel maintained that a prima facie case had been established.
Magistrate Jah upheld the prosecution’s position, describing the forensic evidence and expert testimony as credible and adequate. He ordered Christian’s remand in custody and committed the case to the High Court for further proceedings.