The High Court of Sierra Leone, presided over by Honourable Justice Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker, has on 23rd October 2025 convicted and sentenced two individuals for unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, in violation of the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008. The sentencing took place at Court No. 5, Main Law Courts Building in Freetown.
The convicts, Sheka Kamara, aged 25, of Leah Street, off Kissy Road, and Abu Bakarr Sesay, aged 55, of Kosso Town, were arraigned on a one-count indictment of unlawful possession of drugs contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008.
According to the prosecution, on 28th March 2024, Sheka Kamara was found in possession of 25 grams of Kush at Freetown without lawful authority. Similarly, on 27th October 2024, Abu Bakarr Sesay was apprehended at Malta Street in the East End of Freetown with 60.5 grams of Kush, also without lawful authority.
Both accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge.
In delivering her judgment, Justice Sellu-Tucker said the court had taken into account their early guilty pleas and remorse, noting that such admissions saved the court’s valuable time. However, she stressed that the court could not ignore the increasing prevalence of drug-related offences and their devastating effects on society, especially among the youth.
“These offences are serious and pose a growing threat to public health and social stability,” she stated. “The court must therefore express its disapproval through deterrent custodial sentences to curb the alarming rate of drug possession and abuse in the country.”
Following her remarks, the judge convicted both defendants as charged.
- Sheka Kamara was sentenced to twelve (12) years imprisonment at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre.
- Abu Bakarr Sesay received ten (10) years imprisonment at the same facility.
Justice Sellu-Tucker concluded by reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice serves as both a corrective and deterrent measure in the fight against illegal drugs in Sierra Leone.
