By: Alimatu Kargbo
Honorable Justice Mark Ngegba of the high court of Sierra Leone has sentenced Zainab Bintu Samura to a total of 45 years imprisonment after finding her guilty on six counts relating to unlawful possession and dealing in prohibited drugs.
The judgement was delivered by Justice Mark Ngegba at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Freetown.
According to court records, the accused was arrested on November 6, 2025, at the Pademba Road Magistrates’ Court area in Freetown after police officers attached to the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) allegedly found her in possession of prohibited substances.
The substances included 210 pink circular blistered tablets identified as tramadol, weighing 100.4 grams, loose cannabis sativa weighing 40 grams, and kush weighing 60 grams.
The State charged Samura with six offences under the National Drugs Control Act of 2008, including unlawful possession and dealing in prohibited drugs. She pleaded not guilty when arraigned before the court on February 2, 2026.
During the trial, prosecutors A. Jalloh and E.A. Deen called three witnesses to testify against the accused, while M.Y. Conteh appeared for the defence.
Detective Police Constable Abdul Koroma, attached to TOCU, testified that the accused was brought in together with the suspected drugs for investigation. Several exhibits were tendered before the court, including laboratory request forms, caution statements, search warrants and charge statements.
The court also heard evidence from forensic analysts who confirmed through laboratory examinations that the substances recovered were indeed tramadol, cannabis sativa and kush.
In his ruling, Justice Ngegba said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the accused failed to show lawful authority for possessing the prohibited substances as required under Section 17 of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008.
“The defendant was found in possession of and dealing with tramadol, cannabis sativa and kush,” the judge ruled.
Justice Ngegba subsequently returned guilty verdicts on all six counts. The court sentenced the accused to 15 years imprisonment on Counts 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively, while Counts 5 and 6 attracted additional prison terms, bringing the total sentence to 45 years imprisonment.
