The High Court of Sierra Leone, sitting in Kambia, has sentenced Finda Aziz Turay to five years’ imprisonment after finding her guilty of illegal possession of drugs, contrary to the National Drugs Control Act, 2008.
The conviction was handed down on Thursday, 29 January 2026, during a sitting of the High Court of Sierra Leone held in Port Loko District. Finda Aziz Turay was arraigned on four counts, including unlawful possession of drugs without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008) and selling of drugs, contrary to Section 7(c) of the same Act.
At the commencement of proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty to count one, which relates to the illegal possession of drugs. However, she pleaded not guilty to counts two, three, and four, prompting the court to order that a full trial be conducted on those remaining charges.
In mitigation, defence counsel M. Korie Esq. and T. P. M. Sowa urged the court to exercise leniency in sentencing. They informed the court that the convict is a first-time offender and a mother of two children, adding that she demonstrated remorse by promptly admitting guilt on the first count and did not waste the court’s time. The defence further appealed for a minimal custodial sentence or, in the alternative, the imposition of a fine pursuant to Section 12(3) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008.
Counsel argued that a lengthy custodial sentence would effectively end Finda Aziz Turay’s career, which they described as her principal means of livelihood and would have a severe impact on her dependants.
Responding to the plea in mitigation, prosecution counsel, Tholley Esq. reminded the court of the seriousness of the offence, noting that Finda Aziz Turay was arrested in possession of thirty-nine (39) wraps of kush, with a total weight of thirty-four point six (34.6) grams. He emphasized that the offence carries a mandatory minimum custodial sentence of not less than five years under the law and urged the court to uphold the legislative intent behind the Act.
In delivering his sentence on count one, Hon. Justice Sahr Kekura J. stated that he had carefully considered the mitigation advanced by the defence, including the fact that the convict pleaded guilty and did not waste the court’s time. However, he noted that the law prescribes a mandatory minimum sentence for the offence. The judge therefore sentenced Finda Aziz Turay to five years’ imprisonment, being the minimum sentence allowed by law.
The court further ruled that the prosecution would proceed with the presentation of evidence on counts two, three and four to determine the accused’s culpability on those charges. The matter has been adjourned to 29 January 2026 for continuation of trial.
