By: Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, October 23rd 2025- Justice Isata Sellu Tucker of Court No. 5 at the Anti-Corruption Court has sentenced two men, Abu Bakarr Sesay and Sheka Kamara, to the Male Correctional Centre after they were caught with kush and other illegal drugs in Sierra Leone. Abu Bakarr Sesay was sentenced to 12 years at the Male Correctional Centre after being found in possession of kush, which is classified as an illegal substance in the country. In delivering her ruling, Justice Tucker urged Sesay to use his time in prison to reflect on his actions and reform his life.
Similarly, Sheka Kamara received a 10-year sentence after pleading guilty to charges of possessing kush and other contraband substances. Justice Tucker noted that the widespread availability of drugs in local communities has become a serious concern, largely because some individuals continue to sell and produce these substances openly. She emphasized that the court’s decision serves as a strong warning to others involved in the drug trade, underscoring that such conduct will not be tolerated in society. According to her, rulings like this are meant to deter others and support the judiciary’s commitment to swiftly addressing drug-related crimes across Sierra Leone.
The defense counsels did not contest the ruling since both accused had already pleaded guilty. Justice Tucker explained that the judiciary has a duty to send a clear message that unlawful possession and distribution of drugs have no place in the country.
Both men were charged under Section 8 (a) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008), which prohibits the unlawful possession of drugs. The court also ordered that the seized drugs be destroyed by the relevant authorities.
In sentencing, Justice Tucker said the court took into account the men’s show of remorse and the fact that they pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them.
The ruling highlights the judiciary’s ongoing effort to curb the rising problem of drug abuse and trafficking in Sierra Leone.
