Six accused persons, Amos Kailie, Kolleh Kamara, Mohamed Bangura, Chernor Jalloh, Minkailu Johny and Abdul Rahman Turay, were sent into remand by Magistrate Hannah Bonnie of Court No.1 on Wednesday July 15, 2020, for attempting to transport dry leaves which the police are claiming to be cannabis sativa into Guinea Conakry.
Police alleged that on June 1, 2020, at Makabie Villlage, Koya Chiefdom in Port Loko District, the six accused persons conspired with some other persons to transport 24 bales of cannabis-sativa, and six parcels of the same substance at a place called Bailor closed to the Republic of Guinea.
Police further alleged that on Saturday June20, 2020, on the territorial waters at Bailor in Port Loko District, the accused persons transported a prohibited drug (cannabis-sativa) to Bailor en route to Guinea without lawful authority.
The six are charged with conspiracy to transport a prohibited drugs and unlawful possession of a prohibited drug contrary to the National Drugs Control Act 2008.
Inspector I. G. Fofana prosecuted the matter on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, and M.P. Sesay appeared for all the accused persons.
The Prosecution is yet to bring witnesses to substantiate their claims. Meanwhile, Lawyer Sesay requested for bail for his clients. He canvassed his bail plea on Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965.
Lawyer Sesay urged Magistrate Bonnie to presume his clients innocent and grant them bail, since the offence for which they stand before the court is a bailable one. He emphasized that all of his clients are Sierra Leoneans resident in the country who had credible sureties who are willing to vouch for them.
Magistrate Hannah Bonnie agreed that the offence is a bailable one, but cautioned that they are very serious. She did not admit the accused persons to bail and adjourned the matter to July 20, 2020.
By Isabella Cassell
17/07/2020. ISSUE NO: 7868