Guinean Businessman Arrested
By: Alimatu Kargbo
A Guinean businessman, Mohamed Jalloh, has been arrested and charged before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown for multiple offences, including unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited drugs, and evading customs duties.
According to the charge sheet, Jalloh was arrested on 26th July 2025 at the Gbalamuya Customs Post in Kambia District, Northern Province. He was allegedly found in possession of 79 grosses, nine packets, and nine strips of Tramadol 225MG without lawful authority.
He faces three counts: possession of a Prohibited Drug contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008; transportation of a Prohibited Drug contrary to Section 7(b) of the same Act; evasion of Customs Duties contrary to Section 77(c) of the Customs Act 2011, in relation to 132 undeclared mobile phones.
Testifying in court, Detective Sergeant Sundu S.K. from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) confirmed receiving the case on 3rd August 2025, where the seized Tramadol was tendered as Exhibit B1–3.
He also presented Jalloh’s voluntary caution statement and advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which led to the charges.
During cross-examination, led by JN Gengo the defense counsel questioned the impartiality of the investigation, noting that other passengers in the vehicle were neither cautioned nor questioned. The defense argued that the matter should be committed to the High Court for further scrutiny, particularly since the investigator admitted he was not present at the scene of the arrest.
State Counsel A.B.N. Taylor Kamara, however, submitted that the prosecution had provided sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the accused.
Magistrate Jah, in his remarks, stated that the court would determine whether the evidence was sufficient for committal to the High Court, stressing that the law must guide the process and not public perception.
The matter has been adjourned to the 21st August 2025 for ruling.
