Court of Appeal Judge, Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu (JA), has sentenced 35-year-old Nigerian citizen, Newton Johnson, to Thirty (30) years’ imprisonment after his conviction for unlawful collection and possession of drugs.
Johnson, an engineer by profession, appeared before the Court on two counts; Collecting a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority and Unlawful Possession of Drugs, contrary to Sections 7(b) and 8 of the National Drug Control Act, 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008.
Upon his arraignment before the Court, and following his confessional statement to the police, Johnson repeatedly pleaded guilty to collecting and being in possession of 2.9 kilograms of cocaine, even after being given several opportunities to reconsider his plea.
State Counsel, O.V. Robin Mason, told the Court that on 9th November, 2024, in Freetown, Western Area, the accused was found in possession of 2.9 kilograms of cocaine. He was arrested, interrogated, and subsequently charged with two counts after the conclusion of the police investigation.
In his plea in mitigation, Defence Counsel, Alimamy Bangura, stated that since his arrest in November 2024, the convict had been fully compliant with the investigation and judicial process without wasting the Court’s time. He further argued that Johnson, a young man and father of two children, deserved the Court’s leniency, urging the presiding judge to temper justice with mercy.
Delivering his judgment, Honourable Justice Allieu (JA) emphasized that the duty of the Court is to uphold the law, especially in light of the alarming rise in drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country and its environs, an issue that continues to threaten the health and wellbeing of young people and has led to loss of lives.
“The inflow and distribution chains must be completely identified and terminated, and the Court has a role to play in achieving this national fight,” said Justice Allieu, reiterating that, “We are more than committed to eradicating this menace that seeks to destroy the lives of our youthful population.”
Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu subsequently sentenced Newton Johnson to thirty (30) years’ imprisonment on count one and ten (10) years on count two, with both sentences to run concurrently.
