By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, September 24, 2024 – Richard Onyekachid Idi, a Nigerian national, appeared in court on Tuesday, facing three serious charges related to drug trafficking. Idi was arrested for possession, dealing, and transportation of prohibited drugs, specifically 38 pallets of cocaine, in violation of Sierra Leonean law.
Detective Prince J. K. Jabati of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) testified as the prosecution’s key witness. He recounted that on Friday, 13 September 2024, he received the case file and the suspect, after which Idi voluntarily gave a caution statement. The detective also presented several pieces of evidence, including the laboratory test results and the suspect’s medical examination report.
Detective Jabati explained the significant difference between a “pallet” and a “wrap” during his testimony, noting that Idi was found in possession of pallets – the form typically used to transport cocaine, as opposed to wraps, which are more commonly associated with marijuana.
Defense counsel J. T. Mansaray argued for bail, citing Idi’s urgent medical needs, supported by a medical report calling for surgery. However, Magistrate Kekura denied the bail request and instructed the medical superintendent of the Male Correctional Center to conduct a full medical examination on the accused and present the findings at the next hearing.
The case has been adjourned to Thursday, 26 September 2024, with I. A. Kamara prosecuting and Mansaray defending.