Kadijatu Barrie
Newton Johnson, an Italian-Nigerian national, has been committed to the High Court in Freetown to face trial on serious charges of cocaine trafficking.
Johnson appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2, where he was arraigned on two counts related to the unlawful possession of prohibited drugs.
The charges against Johnson stem from an incident on November 9, 2024, at the Freetown International Airport, where he was allegedly discovered with two compressed parcels of cocaine. This case has drawn attention to ongoing issues of drug trafficking in Sierra Leone, as authorities continue to combat the illegal narcotics trade.
During the preliminary inquiry, the prosecution presented three witnesses, including an exhibit clerk who provided the seized cocaine as evidence. Magistrate Bangura ruled that the prosecution’s case was both consistent and credible, determining there was sufficient evidence to commit Johnson to stand trial in the High Court.
When asked if he intended to testify or call witnesses in his defense, Johnson opted to defer, indicating he would await guidance from his legal counsel. As the case progresses, he has been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
