By Alimatu Jalloh
One Nyakeh Vandi who identified himself as a businessman has yesterday 8th October, 2024 made another appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba road court No.1 on an alleged possession of prohibited drugs.
Shortly after the matter was mentioned with both defense and prosecution present, state counsel Y.A Kamara informed the court that prosecution witness No.1 who was supposed to continue his evidence in chief and tender exhibits was absent on the grounds that he was involved in an accident and therefore cannot go on with the matter.
However before the adjourned date, defense Lawyer S. Conteh stated that the allegation for which his client is in court for is serious and therefore urged the state prosecution to come with other witnesses for the matter to continue.
He said the accused is seriously sick and asked that the court grant his client access for him to be medically examined at the correctional center, he made the application pursuant to section 8(31)2 of the Criminal Procedure Acts.
And haven heard from both prosecution and defense Lawyers, Magistrate Kekura ruled that the state prosecution make available another witness for speedy trial of the matter and granted the application for the accused person to be examined medically.
He refused the accused person bail and remanded him at the Pademba road correctional center and adjourned the matter to 15th October, 2024 for further hearing.
It could be recalled that the accused person was charged on three count charges ranging from possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority and transporting of prohibited drugs contrary to law.
According to the particulars of offense in count one, it was alleged that the accused person on Sunday 25th August, 2024 at Fallah Security Checkpoint, Bo city in the southern province of Sierra Leone was found in possession of two black polythene bags containing loosed quantities of Kush without lawful authority.
While in count two, it was alleged that the accused person at the above date and place found dealing in a prohibited drugs without lawful authority adding that in count three it was alleged that the accused person was found transporting prohibited drugs onboard vehicle with registration No. AWQ 115 without lawful authority.