Edwin Uwa Ogbonna, a Nigerian national, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on ten counts of charges.

These charges include kidnapping, possession of prohibited drugs, dealing in prohibited drugs, and using prohibited drugs.

The particulars of the case state that on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Alusine Street, New Road, Juba Hill in the western area of Freetown, Ogbonna allegedly kidnapped Monsuru Abayomi Balogun. Additionally, he is accused of possessing various prohibited drugs, including loose cocaine, one sachet of Kush, and one sachet of cannabis sativa, all without lawful authority. He is also charged with dealing in Kush, cannabis sativa, and cocaine on the same date and location, and using these prohibited drugs without lawful authority.

When the charges were read, Ogbonna made no plea. His counsel, Zachariah Azibo Kanu, applied for bail, arguing that Ogbonna is not a Sierra Leonean but a resident with a fixed abode and credible sureties who would ensure his appearance in court. Kanu cited Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965 in support of the bail application.

Magistrate Kekura, however, denied bail and remanded Ogbonna to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The case has been adjourned to today September 17, 2024 for further hearings.