By: Elizabeth A. Kaine
Edwin Uwa Ogbonna, a Nigerian national, was remanded to the male correctional facility in Freetown by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 on September 17, 2024. Ogbonna faces ten counts of charges, including kidnapping, possession of prohibited drugs, dealing in prohibited drugs, and using prohibited drugs.
According to the particulars of the case, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Alusine Street, New Road, Juba Hill in the western area of Freetown, Ogbonna allegedly kidnapped Monsuru Abayomi Balogun. Additionally, he is accused of possessing various prohibited drugs, including loose cocaine, one sachet of Kush, and one sachet of cannabis sativa, all without lawful authority.
Ogbonna’s counsel, Zachariah Azibo Kanu, applied for bail, citing Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965. Kanu argued that Ogbonna, a resident with a fixed abode, has credible sureties to guarantee his appearance in court.
However, Magistrate Kekura denied bail, adjourning the case to a later date for further hearings. Ogbonna did not enter a plea during the hearing.
The case has sparked attention due to the severity of the allegations and the accused’s foreign nationality.
