AYV News, December 17, 2025

High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Khalilah Diana Kamara has sentenced Hawa Dukuly to thirty-five (35) years imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to the offence of unlawful possession of drugs contrary to section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008, Act No. 10 2008.

On the 11th day of June, 2025 at Lungi, in the North-West Region of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Defendant as she was then was found in possession 800.4 grams of cocaine without lawful authority, 

When the above charge was put before the Defendant during her arraignment, she pleaded guilty as charged. 

In his plea mitigation, Counsel representing the convict appealed to the Judge to temper justice with mercy. He noted that the convict is a mother of two and principal caregiver. 

Delivering the judgement of the court, Honourable Justice Khalilah Diana Kamara said the court has measured the guilty plea of the convict and the allucutus advanced by counsel. 

“Taking into consideration the nature of the offence, the guilty plea of the convict and plea in mitigation of the convict’s lawyer cannot mitigate the gravity and enormity of the offence committed.” said Justice Kamara. 

The Judge noted that the country is at a crossroad and the national fight against the narcotic pandemic calls for a clear, decisive and unambiguous message of disapproval. She noted that one of the principles of sentencing is to serve as a deterrent to others.

“Based on the above, the convict is hereby sentenced to 35 (Thirty Five) years imprisonment,” she declared.

She further ordered that the said 800.4 grams of cocaine found in the possession of the convict be destroyed by the appropriate authorities and in the presence of approved and verifiable witnesses.

She also ordered that a certificate evidencing the said destruction be filed with the court within seven working days from the date of the completion of the exercise.