By Ibrahim Sesay
Delivering a landmark judgment at the Main Law Courts Building on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, Court of Appeal Judge, Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu (JA), has sentenced 35-year-old Nigerian national, Newton Johnson, to thirty (30) years’ imprisonment for unlawful collection and possession of cocaine.
The conviction was handed down on Friday, 7th November 2025, marking a strong statement against the rising tide of drug-related offences in Sierra Leone.
Newton Johnson, an engineer by profession, was arraigned on two counts, Collecting a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority and Unlawful Possession of Drugs, contrary to Sections 7(b) and 8 of the National Drug Control Act, 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008). He was found guilty after he consistently pleaded guilty to both charges, despite being given multiple opportunities to reconsider his plea.
According to State Counsel, O.V. Robin Mason, the convict was arrested on 9th November 2024 in Freetown after being found in possession of 2.9 kilograms of cocaine. Following his arrest and interrogation, Newton Johnson was charged with two counts under the National Drug Control Act after the police concluded their investigations.
During the mitigation plea, Defence Counsel, Alimamy Bangura, appealed for leniency, citing his client’s cooperation with law enforcement since his arrest. He described Newton Johnson as a young man and a father of two who had not wasted the Court’s time, urging Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu to temper justice with mercy.
However, in his ruling, Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu underscored the Court’s responsibility to protect society and uphold the law amid an alarming increase in drug trafficking and abuse within Sierra Leone and the sub-region. He lamented that drug-related activities have become a national menace threatening public health and the future of the country’s youth.
“The inflow and distribution chains must be completely identified and terminated and the Court has a role to play in achieving this national fight,” Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu declared. “We are more than committed to eradicating this menace that seeks to destroy the lives of our youthful population.”
Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu consequently sentenced Newton Johnson to thirty (30) years’ imprisonment on count one and ten (10) years on count two, with both sentences to run concurrently effectively placing him behind bars for three decades.
The conviction serves as a stern warning to drug traffickers and reinforces the Judiciary’s resolve to support the Government’s broader campaign against illicit drug use and trafficking across Sierra Leone.
