Richard Onyekachid Idi, a Nigerian, has been arrested and is currently in custody following the discovery and seizure of eight pallets of cocaine from him at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi.
Idi was today brought before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1, facing three charges: possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority, dealing in prohibited drugs, and transporting prohibited drugs, all in violation of Sierra Leonean law.
During the proceedings, state prosecutor Isaac A. Kamara presented Detective Sergeant Prince Joe Jabati from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU). Jabati recounted the events of September 13, 2024, when he received a transfer case and inquiry file, along with the accused. He took Idi’s voluntary caution statement, followed by an additional statement on August 31, 2024.
On September 7, 2024, Jabati received laboratory test results related to the case and details from the arresting officer’s statement. He also confirmed that a medical examination of Idi was conducted on September 12, 2024.
Jabati submitted various documents, including ticket information, as evidence against Idi. He informed the court that after consulting with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on September 13, 2024, he and Detective Ibrahim Conteh charged Idi after reading and explaining the charges to him, which Idi acknowledged with his right-hand thumbprint.
During cross-examination, defense attorney J. T. Mansaray questioned Jabati about his five years of experience as an investigator. Jabati clarified that he did not conduct further investigations beyond the initial inquiry file. He also differentiated between a “wrap” and a “pallet,” explaining that wraps are typically used for marijuana, while pallets are egg-shaped papers utilized for packaging cocaine.
Mansaray requested bail for his client, citing credible sureties and indicating that Idi requires urgent medical attention not available at the correctional centre. Magistrate Kekura ordered the medical superintendent of the male correctional centre to conduct an examination and present the results at the next hearing.
The case has been adjourned to Thursday, September 26, 2024, as the court awaits further developments.
