By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope
In a significant ruling, Honourable Justice Mark Ngegba of the High Court sentenced Liberian hairdresser Zainab Donzo to 20 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine without lawful authority.
Donzo, a resident of Monrovia, was charged with unlawful possession of controlled substances under Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008. The incident occurred on October 13, 2024, in Jendema Town, Pujehun District, where customs officials discovered 1.9 kilograms of cocaine concealed in four compressed parcels.
During the court proceedings, Donzo issued a plea for mercy. Her attorney, C. Okafor Esq., advocated for leniency, emphasizing Donzo’s status as a mother of three, with her youngest child only three months old at the time of her arrest. “We respectfully request a reduction of the sentence,” Okafor urged, appealing to the court to consider her family situation alongside her guilty plea.
While Justice Ngegba acknowledged the mitigating factors, including Donzo’s expression of remorse and cooperation during the trial, he underscored the grave consequences of drug-related crimes on society. “The implications of this offence, particularly concerning the drug trade, are profound,” Justice Ngegba stated. “While we take into account her circumstances, we cannot disregard the severity of the offence.”
Following the sentencing, the judge ordered that the cocaine, which was presented as evidence during the trial, be transferred to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for safe destruction.
This ruling reflects Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking and delivers a clear message to those who seek to transport narcotics across its borders.
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