Charles Udom's Cocaine Trafficking Case: Court Proceedings and Denied Bail

In the matter of Charles Udom, proceedings were conducted before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2, wherein the accused faces allegations of illicit possession, transportation, and trafficking of cocaine, in contravention of Sierra Leone's national drug laws. 

The prosecution presented four charges against Mr. Udom, specifically relating to the unauthorized collection, transportation, dealing, and possession of twenty-five pellets of cocaine, purportedly occurring at Freetown International Airport, Lungi, Northern Province, on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Mr. Udom did not enter a plea upon the reading of charges. 

Sergeant Wilson F.M., representing the state, presented Detective Sergeant Sahr Sundu of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit as the primary witness.

Detective Sergeant Sundu testified regarding the transfer of the case to his unit and the handling of Mr. Udom's statement and the seized exhibits on March 21, 2025. 

Forensic analysis confirmed the substance as cocaine, and Mr. Udom's recorded statement, in both Krio and English, was admitted as evidence. Despite an application for bail by defense lawyer A.H. Navo, citing mitigating factors such as cooperation, health concerns, and reliable sureties, Magistrate Bangura denied the request, citing concerns of potential flight. 

The proceedings have been adjourned to May 13, 2025, for further adjudication. 

This case underscores the commitment of Sierra Leonean authorities to suppress drug trafficking and impose stringent sanctions on offenders.