Suspect Remanded Over Alleged Human Skull Use in Kush Production

A Sierra Leone court has been presented with disturbing evidence linking a suspect to the unlawful possession and alleged use of a human skull in the production of synthetic cannabis known locally as “kush,” alongside claims of ritualistic and illegal activities.

The accused, Augustine Joe Dauda, was on Friday remanded to the male correctional facility by Justice Isata Sellu Tucker after the prosecution tendered a human skull as key evidence in the ongoing case.

Dauda faces two serious charges under the law: unlawful possession of materials intended for drug production contrary to the National Drugs Control Act 2008, and unlawful reopening of a grave without medical supervision, in violation of the Public Health Act 2023.

According to court documents, the accused was arrested on 5 December 2025 at the Kent police checkpoint in Freetown’s Western Area, where officers allegedly found him in possession of a human skull reportedly linked to the production of kush, a potent synthetic cannabinoid.

He is also accused of exhuming the skull from a grave in Bureh village between January and December 2025 without the supervision of a health officer.

The prosecution tendered the skull in court as Exhibit A, with Detective Police Constable Julius Abu Kamara identifying the item and confirming its seizure at the scene. He further testified that the defendant led officers to the location where the evidence was recovered.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel J.M. Jengo Esq., questions were raised about the circumstances of the recovery and whether the scene was reconstructed. The witness, however, maintained that the defendant voluntarily guided police to the site.

The second prosecution witness, Dr. Simeon Owiz Koroma, a forensic pathologist with over 40 years of experience, presented findings from an examination conducted on 12 February 2026. His report, admitted as Exhibit A1–A3, indicated that the skull belonged to a female aged between 35 and 45 years.

Dr. Koroma also noted signs of possible ritualistic or post-mortem manipulation. The skull was reportedly wrapped in black sheepskin, tied with black threads, and adorned with cowries and coins—items commonly associated with ritual practices. The eye sockets were also filled with paper, suggesting deliberate alteration.

The forensic expert stated that the arrangement of the skull strongly pointed to ritualistic handling, raising concerns about the use of human remains in illicit activities.

Human skulls in Sierra Leone have previously been linked to various clandestine practices, including ritual activities, drug-related operations, and secret cult activities, raising ongoing public health and security concerns.

Justice Tucker refused bail for the accused, citing the seriousness of the charges and the strength of the evidence presented. The matter has been adjourned to 25 June 2026 for further hearing.

The case has reignited public concern over illegal exhumation, ritual practices involving human remains, and the growing threat of synthetic drug production in Sierra Leone.