By Joseph Turay
Sierra Leone’s High Court has handed down lengthy prison sentences in a wave of drug-related cases, as the judiciary steps up efforts to confront what it described as the growing menace of prohibited drugs in the country.
In a statement issued on Dec. 22, 2025, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone said the High Court, acting on directives from the Chief Justice, began expediting drug cases from Oct. 25, 2025, and has since concluded 20 cases out of 80 assigned for fast-track hearing.
All 20 cases ended in convictions, with sentences ranging from 10 to 40 years’ imprisonment, and no option of fines, reflecting the seriousness of the offences, the judiciary said.
Among those convicted were Sierra Leoneans and foreign nationals, including Nigerians, Liberians and two Tanzanian citizens, underscoring that the law was applied “without fear or favour,” regardless of nationality or status.
Notable sentences included 40 years for Newton Johnson for collecting and unlawfully possessing prohibited drugs, 30 years for David Johnson, Emmanuel Cole, Fatmata Kamara, Hawa Javombo, and Hassan Mohamed Juma Alfai Shabani Mkobela, and 35 years for Hawa Dukuly. Sheka Kamara received 12 years, while Abubakarr Sesay was sentenced to 10 years for unlawful possession.
One of the convicted persons, Mohamed Dumbuya, was identified as an officer of the Operational Support Division (OSD) of the police, and was sentenced to 25 years for unlawful possession of prohibited drugs.
Other convictions included Adama Kamara and Yeanoh Kargbo, who each received 30 years, and Kadiatu Kargbo and Abdulai Bangura, also sentenced to 30 years.
The offences ranged from unlawful possession to transporting and collecting prohibited drugs, according to court records.
The judiciary said the accelerated hearings were part of a broader institutional response to drug trafficking and abuse, which it described as a threat to public safety and national stability.
“The Judiciary will provide further updates in the coming year as the High Court continues to hear and determine the remaining cases,” the statement said .
