By Mamajah Jalloh
Edwin Uwa Ogbonna, a Nigerian national, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Thursday, October 3, 2024, for the continuation of his trial on multiple charges, including kidnapping and drug possession.
Ogbonna faces ten counts of serious offenses, which include kidnapping, possession of prohibited drugs, dealing in prohibited drugs, and the use of prohibited drugs. According to the prosecution, the alleged offenses occurred on August 20, 2024, at Alusine Street, New Road, Juba Hill, in the western area of Freetown.
The particulars of the charges detail that Ogbonna is accused of kidnapping Monsuru Abayomi Balogun. Furthermore, he is alleged to have been found in possession of various illicit substances on the same date, including loose quantities of cocaine and a sachet containing kush, as well as cannabis sativa. The prosecution claims that Ogbonna was also engaged in dealing these prohibited substances.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was entered.
Defense counsel Zachariah Azibo Kanu applied for bail on behalf of Ogbonna, arguing that the accused, though not a Sierra Leonean, has established residency in the country. Kanu asserted that Ogbonna has a fixed abode and credible sureties willing to enter recognizance for his release. He expressed confidence that Ogbonna would appear in court on all adjourned dates and would not interfere with prosecution witnesses. This application was made pursuant to Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
However, Magistrate Kekura denied the bail request and ordered Ogbonna to be remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown. The case has been adjourned to October 8, 2024, for further proceedings.
