Magistrate Denies Bail to Driver Accused of Transporting 14 Bundles of Cannabis
Valentine Benjamin Conteh Principal Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, refused to grant bail to Senesie Bah, a driver accused of possessing and transporting cannabis sativa (jamba) without lawful authority.
Bah faces two charges: possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008), and transporting a prohibited drug without lawful authority contrary to Section 7(b) of the same Act.
According to the indictment, Bah was arrested on Thursday, 16th October 2025, at the Wanjama Police Checkpoint along the Bo–Kenema Highway with fourteen (14) bundles of cannabis sativa allegedly found in his possession. He is also accused of transporting the prohibited drug on the same date and at the same location.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken.
State Prosecutor A. B. N. Taylor Kamara tendered the caution and charge statements of the accused, along with other documents, as exhibits.
Defence Counsel Brima Jah cross-examined the police witness based on the defendant’s statement and later applied for bail under Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024. Magistrate Jah denied the application, citing the seriousness of the offences.
He ordered that Bah be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 8th December 2025 for continuation.