By Alieu Amara Suwu
Richard Onyekachid Idi, a Nigerian national, was on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, sent to prison by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No. 1 after he was found of 38 pellets of cocaine at the Freetown International Airport Lungi.
The accused made his first appearance in court and was charged with three (3) counts, ranging from possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(A) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008; dealing in prohibited drugs without lawful authority, contrary to Section 7(b) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008; and transporting prohibited drugs without lawful authority, contrary to Section 7(B) of the Act.
According to the particulars of offense on count 1, the accused, Richard Onyekachid Idi, on Saturday, 31st August 2024, at Freetown International Airport Lungi, Port Loko District, Northern Province of Sierra Leone, was found in possession of thirty-eight (38) pellets of cocaine without lawful authorization.
The police further alleged on counts two that the accused, on the same date and place, was found dealing in cocaine without lawful authority.
While counts three added that the accused, on the same date and place, was found transporting prohibited drugs without lawful authority.
When the charges were read to the accused person, no plea was taken.
Defense counsel lawyer J.T. Mansaray, Esq., applied for bail on behalf of the accused pursuant to Section 79, Subsection 2, of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965 but was objected to by the state counsel, Isaac A. Kamara.
Magistrate Kekura refused bail and remanded the accused in custody until the 26th of September 2024.
