Kono High Court Hands Down Heavy Sentences in Drug, Sexual Offence Cases
The High Court sitting in Kono District, presided over by Justice Santigie Bangura, has delivered a series of tough sentences in separate drug-related and sexual offence cases, signaling a firm judicial stance against rising criminal activities in the region.
In one of the cases, the court convicted and sentenced Yayah Bah to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008.
According to court records, Bah was found on 4th November 2025 at Kumao Town in Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District, in possession of a quantity of kush. He pleaded guilty to the offence. His co-accused, Abdulai Shabab, who was allegedly found with 122 wraps of cannabis sativa and three cards of tramadol, pleaded not guilty. His trial is set to continue on 26th March 2026.
State Counsel, Charles Foday Sesay, urged the court to convict based on the accused’s guilty plea. In mitigation, defence counsel A.O. Kamara appealed for leniency, citing the convict’s cooperation and youthfulness.
However, Justice Bangura noted the seriousness of the offence and expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young people in drug-related crimes. He emphasized the need for a strong judicial response to deter others. The court subsequently imposed a 20-year sentence and ordered the destruction of the exhibits.
In a separate matter, the court also sentenced 45-year-old Ibrahim Bockarie to 15 years imprisonment for sexual penetration of a minor, contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act 2012 as amended in 2019.
The court heard that on 22nd February 2025 in Kono District, the convict engaged in sexual penetration with a 14-year-old girl. Delivering judgment, Justice Bangura stated that strict penalties are necessary to combat the growing menace of sexual abuse against children, stressing that offenders must be held accountable.
In another related drug case, Kelfala Mansaray was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of kush. He was arrested on 5th November 2025 at Bungaloo Car Wash in Koidu City with 30 wraps of the substance.
Despite pleas for leniency from defence counsel, the court maintained that drug offences continue to flood the judicial system and require firm action. Justice Bangura reiterated the need for a robust approach and ordered that the confiscated drugs be destroyed.
Throughout the proceedings, the State was represented by Charles Foday Sesay, while A.O. Kamara of the Legal Aid Board provided defence for the accused persons.
The rulings underscore the judiciary’s increasing resolve to clamp down on drug offences and sexual crimes, particularly those affecting young people and vulnerable members of society.
