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Two Tanzanian nationals, Hassan Mohamed Juma and Alfai Shabani Mkobela, have been sentenced to 30 years in prison each by the High Court in Freetown after being found guilty of unlawful possession of 34.9 kilograms of cocaine.
During the trial, defense counsel C.I. Williams appealed for leniency, highlighting the personal circumstances of the convicts. Williams noted that one of the men is a principal caregiver, responsible for the care and welfare of his family. He urged the court to consider the impact that a lengthy prison sentence would have not only on the convicts but also on their dependents.
Despite the plea, the state prosecutor, A. Jalloh, maintained that the gravity of the offence required a custodial sentence. The prosecutor emphasized that large-scale possession of cocaine poses serious risks to public health and safety, and that strict enforcement of the law is essential to deter drug trafficking.
Delivering the verdict, Hon. Justice Mark Ngegba acknowledged the defense’s appeal for leniency but stressed that the prosecution had provided sufficient evidence to meet the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt. “The prosecution has presented clear evidence that warrants a guilty verdict,” Justice Ngegba stated, adding that the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence.
The convicts were arrested on October 22, 2024, at Lungi in the North-West Region of Sierra Leone. During their arraignment, both men pleaded not guilty. The High Court’s ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the law while balancing considerations of individual circumstances.
While the lengthy prison term is intended to serve as a deterrent to future offenders, the case also highlights the human side of justice, reminding the public of the personal consequences that criminal convictions can have on families and communities.
