By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S.
Mishella Koroma, a businesswoman, is set to face trial in the High Court for her alleged involvement in the unlawful possession of cocaine at Freetown International Airport in Lungi.
Koroma appeared before Magistrate John Manson Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 for a preliminary investigation into her case, during which she was accused of possessing two parcels of cocaine at the airport.
During the committal proceedings, Magistrate Fornah outlined that Koroma faces four serious charges. He noted that the prosecution had called three witnesses, all of whom were subjected to thorough cross-examination by the defense. The magistrate emphasized the prosecution’s obligation to prove the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, referencing the legal standard established in the landmark case of Woolington vs DPP (1935). He further clarified that if the prosecution fails to meet this burden, the accused must be acquitted, as highlighted in the case of Koroma vs R (1964-66) ALR SL 424.
Concluding the preliminary investigation, Magistrate Fornah determined that sufficient evidence had been presented to establish a prima facie case against Koroma, warranting her committal to the High Court for trial.
Defense counsel C. Pujeh applied for bail, arguing that Koroma had reliable sureties willing to support her. However, Magistrate Fornah denied the bail request, citing the gravity of the charges. As a result, Koroma’s case has been officially committed to the High Court for further proceedings.
Koroma was initially arraigned on four charges, including collecting drugs without lawful authority, dealing in a prohibited drug, transporting a prohibited drug, and possessing a prohibited drug without lawful authority. According to police reports, on May 10, 2025, at the airport, Koroma allegedly unlawfully collected a prohibited drug and was found in possession of two small parcels of cocaine.
Since her arrest, Koroma has made ten appearances before Magistrate Fornah and has been remanded at the Female Correctional Centre in Freetown. Her case is now scheduled for further proceedings in the High Court.
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