Businesswoman to Face High Court for Unlawful Possession of Cocaine at Lungi Airport

Mishella Koroma, a businesswoman, has been committed to the High Court to stand trial for unlawful possession of drugs at Freetown International Airport in Lungi.

Koroma appeared before Magistrate John Manson Fornah at Pademba Road Court No.2 for the preliminary investigation of her case, after she was found in possession of two parcels of cocaine at the airport.

During the committal proceedings, Magistrate Fornah informed the court that Koroma faces four charges and that the case was at the preliminary investigation (PI) stage. He noted that the prosecution had called three witnesses, who were fully cross-examined by the defense. The magistrate emphasized that, in criminal cases, the prosecution bears the burden of proving the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, citing the legal standard established in Woolington vs DPP (1935).

He further explained that if the prosecution fails to meet this burden, the accused must be found not guilty and be acquitted, referencing the case of Koroma vs R (1964-66) ALR SL 424.

Magistrate Fornah concluded that since the case was at the PI stage, there must be sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case linking Koroma to the offenses, thus warranting her committal to the High Court for trial.

Defense counsel C. Pujeh applied for bail, arguing that Koroma had reliable sureties willing to stand surety for her. However, Magistrate Fornah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the charges. He then committed Koroma’s case to the High Court for further trial.

It is recalled that Koroma was initially arraigned before Magistrate Fornah on four charges: collecting drugs without lawful authority, dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority, transporting a prohibited drug, and possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority.

Police alleged that on Sunday, May 10, 2025, at Freetown International Airport in Lungi, Koroma unlawfully collected a prohibited drug. The police further claimed that on the same date and location, she dealt with and transported a prohibited drug, and was found in possession of two small parcels of cocaine.

Since her initial arrest, Koroma has appeared ten times before Magistrate Fornah and has been in remand at the Female Correctional Centre in Freetown. Her case is now scheduled for further proceedings in the High Court.