By Elizabeth Kamara
Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens on Monday, March 10, 2025, granted bail to Zainab Kamara, the third accused in an ongoing case involving the alleged manufacture and distribution of the prohibited drug, Kush.
The decision came after a bail application was submitted by defense counsels M.S. Bangura, H.M. Gevao, M.A. Fahad, and V. Yomah A. Jalloh on behalf of the accused.
The defense argued that the accused had consistently attended court hearings despite prosecution witnesses failing to appear on multiple occasions. They further emphasized the presumption of innocence and urged the court to overturn the initial bail refusal by the Magistrate Court, which they claimed undermined the due process of law.
However, State Prosecutor A. Jalloh Esq. opposed the bail application, referencing Regulation 3 and urging the court not to exercise its discretion in favour of the accused. The prosecution relied on an affidavit in opposition, dated March 7, 2025, particularly citing paragraphs 5 to 13 as reasons why bail should not be granted.
After reviewing the arguments, Justice Stevens granted bail to Zainab Kamara under the following conditions, bail set at NLe 150,000, to be forfeited if the accused fails to appear in court.
The surety must provide a valid National ID issued by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA).
The surety must own a property with a registered title deed in the Western Area.
Both the accused and the surety must provide passport-sized photographs.
Bail must be approved by the Master and Registrar of the High Court in coordination with the Lead Police Prosecutor at the Magistrate Court.
The accused must report to the Master’s Office every two weeks on Mondays.
The court granted liberty to apply for any necessary modifications to the bail conditions.
The accused persons, Andrew Momoh Jah (bike rider), Daniel Kamara (laborer), Zainab Kamara (businesswoman), and Thomas Leigh Koroma (unemployed), are standing trial before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on thirteen counts related to the manufacturing, possession, and distribution of Kush, a prohibited drug.
According to court documents, the accused were arrested on November 20, 2024, at No. 66 Kanu Drive, Temne Town, Allen Town, Western Area. The charges include manufacturing and producing Kush without lawful authority, transporting, collecting, and supplying prohibited drugs and possessing prohibited drugs and materials used for Kush production.
Despite the bail granted to the third accused, the other defendants remain in custody as the preliminary investigation continues. The case has been adjourned for further hearings.
