Freetown, 21 May 2025 – The High Court of Sierra Leone opened its May 2025 Criminal Session this week with 48 cases called over by Honourable Justice Augustine K. Musa, marking the formal start of the new court calendar.
According to the Judiciary’s media unit, 17 of the accused entered guilty pleas during the initial proceedings, with a significant number of the cases linked to drug-related offenses.
Seven individuals were convicted and sentenced on the spot for unlawful possession of drugs. Among them was Sallay Kanu, a mother of six, who was arrested with 2.1 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa. She told the court the drug was intended for medicinal use to treat her asthmatic daughter.
Other convictions included Saffie Fornah and Margaret Bockeria, each found with 30 kilograms of kush, a synthetic drug. Alfred Aminu and Abdulia Kamara were caught with 40 kilograms each, while Alpha Sesay was found with 30.3 kilograms. All seven pleaded guilty under the National Drugs Control Act of 2008.
Defence lawyer Cyril Taylor-Younge, speaking in mitigation, asked the court to show leniency, noting that the accused were young and had not wasted judicial time. He argued they had expressed remorse and had the potential to contribute positively to society.
Justice Musa acknowledged the plea but warned that the increasing rate of drug offenses poses a serious national concern. He further pointed out that the Judiciary is bound by law to act decisively in addressing this growing threat. All seven were sentenced to five years in prison, with credit given for time already served in custody.
In other matters, Mousa Sewa pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder in connection with the death of Massah Massaquoi. He remains in remand while awaiting trial.
Three other accused, Hussein Anter, Jamal Antar, and Sulaiman Barrie, pleaded not guilty to a 32-count indictment involving conspiracy and financial crimes under the 2024 Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Act. All were remanded in custody.
The court also heard two separate theft-related cases. Augustine Momoh, who cited poor health, and Mohamed Sesay were both sentenced to time already served after pleading guilty.
In another ruling, Pastor Fatoma Tommy Jusu received a five-year prison sentence or an alternative fine of fifty thousand Leones for operating a private security firm without a valid license.
The state is represented by Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay and a team from the Law Officers’ Department. Legal Aid Board lawyers, led by Cecilia Tucker, are defending the accused.
