Freetown, Sierra Leone – An Italian-Nigerian man, Newton Johnson, has been committed to the High Court in Freetown to stand trial on allegations of cocaine trafficking.
Johnson was brought before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2, where he faced two counts related to the unlawful possession of prohibited drugs.
The charges are linked to an incident on November 9, 2024, at the Freetown International Airport, where he was allegedly caught with two compressed parcels of cocaine.
During the preliminary proceedings, the prosecution presented three witnesses, including an exhibit clerk who submitted the suspected narcotics as evidence. In his ruling, Magistrate Bangura described the prosecution’s case as “coherent and reliable,” determining there was enough evidence to send the matter to the High Court for full trial.
Asked whether he would take the stand or call any witnesses, Johnson said he would first consult with his legal team before making a decision.
He has been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown and will remain in custody pending the High Court trial.
