Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, 7th November 2025- As the fight against the possession and intake of harmful drugs and contraband substances continues in Sierra Leone, Justice Simeon Allieu (JA) has sentenced a Nigerian national, Newton Johnson, to the Male Correctional Centre after finding him guilty on two counts. Justice Allieu stated that this decision aims to deter others especially foreigners, who might attempt to bring drugs and other illegal substances into the country. He also noted that he considered the fact that the accused is a young man and a family man before delivering his judgment.
According to the prosecution lawyer, Oladipo V. Robbinmason Jr. Esq., the police intercepted the accused, now convicted, with a substance suspected to be cocaine on November 9, 2024, at the Freetown International Airport. The quantity of the substance was 2.9 kilograms. He was later arrested and taken to the nearest police station for further investigation. After the investigation was completed, the defendant was charged in court with two counts:
• Count 1: Collection of prohibited drugs
• Count 2: Unlawful possession of drugs, contrary to Section 7 (D) of the National Drug Control Act.
The prosecution explained that the penalty for the first count is 30 years or more, while the second count carries a penalty of up to 5 years. The prosecution urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence to send a strong message to others who might consider engaging in illegal drug activities.
In his defense, the defendant’s lawyer, Alimamy Bangura Esq., pleaded with the court for leniency. He stated that his client had cooperated fully with the police since his arrest, posed no threat, and did not waste the court’s time, as he pleaded guilty from the outset. Bangura also appealed to Justice Allieu’s conscience, explaining that the defendant is a father of two children whose future would be uncertain if he were imprisoned for a long time. He asked the court to exercise mercy by sentencing his client according to the provisions of Sierra Leone’s laws specifically, 30 years for the first count and 5 years for the second to run concurrently. He emphasized that the defendant had learned his lesson and would be a better person upon reintegration into society.
Justice Allieu considered the defendant’s plea for mitigation and sentenced Newton Johnson to 30 years for the first count and 10 years for the second count, both sentences to run concurrently. He remarked that the drug trade has become a serious problem in Sierra Leone and that many of those who fall victim are young Sierra Leoneans—the country’s vital human resource. The judge noted that the decision also reflected the defendant’s cooperation and sincerity throughout the trial.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the growing threat that drug trafficking poses to Sierra Leone’s youth and national development. While the judgment was firm, it also reflected a balance between justice and compassion. As Newton Johnson begins his sentence, it is hoped that his story will discourage others from engaging in similar crimes and inspire renewed efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
