A Freetown International Airport security supervisor, Mary Finda Ngaujah, testified in court last week about discovering a shotgun hidden inside a passenger’s luggage.

Ngaujah told the Pademba Road Magistrate Court that she spotted the weapon during a routine screening process. The bag belonged to Matthew Mendy, a 41-year-old Gambian herbalist, who now faces charges of unlawful possession of arms, Awoko reports.

According to police reports, Mendy was attempting to travel with the single-barrel shotgun, which lacked proper authorization, on January 29th, 2024.

Ngaujah described noticing a suspicious object on the scanning screen while working at the airport’s Westminster section. She immediately alerted security personnel, including law enforcement and the Office of National Security (ONS).

Upon calling Mendy into a designated search area, Ngaujah conducted a physical inspection of his luggage. Mendy reportedly acknowledged ownership of the firearm, claiming it was intended for repairs upon his return to Gambia.

Ngaujah’s testimony confirmed that airport security procedures involve three separate search levels. She specifically pointed out that the shotgun was discovered during the most thorough third level check.

Despite defense attorney Chernor Kamara’s request for bail, Magistrate Sahr Kekura denied the petition and ordered Mendy to be held in custody at the Freetown Male Correctional Centre. The case will proceed as Mendy faces prosecution for unlawful possession of a firearm.