Freetown, Sierra Leone – December 23, 2025: The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has announced the successful conclusion of 20 high-profile drug-related criminal cases in the High Court over the past two months, resulting in convictions for all accused individuals.
The cases, which involved offenses ranging from unlawful possession to transporting and collecting prohibited drugs, underscore the country’s intensifying efforts to combat the rising threat of illicit substances.
In a press release dated December 22, 2025, the Judiciary stated that the expedited hearings began on October 25, 2025, following assignments from the Honourable Chief Justice for swift resolution. All 20 convictions were based on evidence presented before the court, with sentences consisting solely of custodial terms—no fines were imposed, reflecting the judiciary’s stance on the gravity of these crimes.
“The law is applied without fear or favour, irrespective of nationality or status,” the statement emphasized. The convicted individuals include both Sierra Leonean citizens and foreign nationals, among them Nigerians, Liberians, and two Tanzanian citizens.
The offenses primarily involved prohibited drugs, though specific substances were not detailed in the release. Sentences ranged from 10 to 40 years imprisonment, with several individuals receiving 30-year terms.
Here is a summary of the convicted cases:
– Sheka Kamara: Unlawful possession – 12 years (convicted October 23)
– Abubakarr Sesay: Unlawful possession – 10 years (October 23)
– David Johnson: Unlawful possession – 30 years (November 7)
– Newton Johnson: Collecting prohibited drugs and unlawful possession – 40 years (November 11)
– Santie Bangura: Unlawful possession – 15 years (December 14)
– Zainab Donzo: Unlawful possession – 20 years (November 20)
– Jelika Conteh: Transporting prohibited drugs and unlawful possession – 30 years (November 20)
– Edward Bangura: Unlawful possession – 15 years (November 20)
– Mohamed Dumbuya (ODS Officer): Unlawful possession – 25 years (November 28)
– Fatmata Kamara: Unlawful possession – 30 years (November 29)
– Adama Kamara and Yeaneh Kargbo: Unlawful possession – 30 years each (December 1)
– Sia Kamara: Unlawful possession – 15 years (December 1)
– Umar Mansaray: Unlawful possession – 25 years (December 8)
– Eman Bello: Unlawful possession – 30 years (December 9)
– Emmanuel Cole: Unlawful possession – 30 years (December 9)
– Ramatu Mansaray: Unlawful possession – 30 years (December 9)
– Kadiatu Kargbo and Abdulai Bangura: Unlawful possession – 30 years each (December 12)
– Hawa Dukuly: Unlawful possession – 35 years (December 15)
– Hawa Javombo: Unlawful possession – 30 years (December 20)
– Hassan Mohamed Juma Alfai Shabani Mkobela: Unlawful possession – 30 years (December 20)
The Judiciary pledged to continue hearing and determining drug-related matters in the coming year, urging the public to contact its Communications and Public Affairs Unit or visit www.judiciary.gov.sl for further updates.
This wave of convictions comes amid broader national concerns over drug trafficking and abuse in Sierra Leone, as authorities step up measures to address the menace of prohibited substances.
