News report that notorious drug dealers and manufacturers who had long been held in jail on said offences not limited to Abdul Kamara, popularly known as Bigitel, are on the run have elicited widespread comments from members of the public who are upset that the courts would release such an individual judging by the state of drug abuse, smuggling, and dealing in Sierra Leone.
Biggie and several others were recently released on bail, an action that came under intense scrutiny as the nation is presently grappling with the inflow of illicit drugs and other contrabands.
It must be recalled that Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.1, on October 29, 2023, made the decision to commit Bigitel and his two associates to the High Court, denying them bail.
Residing at Kamanda Farm in the East End of Freetown, Bigitel made a name for himself as a drug kingpin selling drugs to hundreds of thousands of youths, which led to him facing charges of unlawful possession of a prohibited drug, as per Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act, 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008.
The accusations stem from an incident on September 23, 2023, at Mamba Ridge, Kissy where Bigitel was alleged to been found in possession of 181 wraps of Kush, totalling 20.0 grams, without proper authorisation.
His co-accused, teacher Ishmael Koroma of Mamba Ridge and Sallieu Bangura also of Mamba Ridge, were apprehended during the same incident in possession of 152.6 grams of Kush, along with a sachet of ecstasy weighing 20.2 grams, all without lawful authority. Additionally, they were caught with an unregulated quantity of cannabis sativa (Jamba) weighing 15.8 grams.
However last week, Bigitel and his two co-defendants (Koroma and Bangura) were released on bail. Unfortunately, news reaching this medium from sources in the judiciary is that the men are on the run from the law.
The three are currently facing trial before Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens at High Court in Freetown for allegedly being in possession of Kush and cannabis sativa, totalling 15.8 grams, without lawful authority.
However, on 19 March 2025 neither of the three accused nor their sureties appeared before the court. The bail was initially granted on humanitarian grounds following a request by defence counsel Claudius Campbell. However, Justice Stevens revealed receiving information suggesting that Bigitel was attempting to leave the jurisdiction, which may explain his absence alongside his sureties.
In response, Justice Stevens issued a bench warrant for all three accused persons and their sureties. He also ordered the confiscation of Bigitel’s house at No. 3D Kamanda Farm, Mamba Ridge, Kissy, Freetown, directing the immediate eviction of its tenants until Bigitel appears in court.
This medium was informed that the accused were granted bail with one surety for each, which conditions required each surety to sign a bail bond of NLe50, 000, not as a payment but as a guarantee. Each surety was also required to possess an authentic national identification card issued by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA).
Meanwhile, members of the security sector and others have castigated the judge who granted them bail.
“What should the court expect? How can you release a guy like Bigitel and others in a country like Sierra Leone given all that we have come to learn about our Embassy in Conakry, Guinea and the discovery of wanted European drug smuggler and dealer Jos Leijdekkers in the company of the president and other ranking member of the president’s government? This should not have happened. What use is seizing the house when justice has not been done? These people have made millions of dollars selling drugs to our people. Drugs make people useless eventually and a burden on their families, communities and society in general. These guys shouldn’t have been granted bail. Their convictions and imprisonment would have sent a strong message to others,” said a source at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
However, a member of the judiciary said in Sierra Leone, bail is a right whose granting is within the court’s discretion, considering the nature of the offense and other factors. The Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965, section 79, outlines the process, allowing courts to admit individuals to bail for felonies other than murder or treason, if they deem it fit.
The female lawyer said the Sierra Leone legal system recognises bail as a right, meaning individuals under custody are generally entitled to be released on bail.
“However, the decision to grant or refuse bail rests with the magistrate or judge, who will consider the circumstances of the case, the evidence presented, and the nature and severity of the alleged offense. The courts will consider factors like the likelihood of the accused appearing for trial, the potential danger to victims, witnesses, or the community, and the accused’s ties to the community. If bail is granted, the court may impose conditions, such as requiring sureties (individuals who guarantee the accused’s appearance) or restricting the accused’s travel.
The Sierra Leone legal system does not have set guidelines regarding the value of bail bonds, leaving the decision to the court’s discretion. An appellant can also apply for bail pending the determination of their appeal, but the court will consider whether there are exceptional circumstances to grant bail. The Statutory Instrument Bail Regulation, 2018, provides further details on the process and conditions of bail,” noted the female lawyer.
Furthering, the legal specialist informed that the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which dealt with war crimes, also had its own rules regarding bail, as outlined in its Statute and Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
“But some research indicate that a significant number of detainees struggle to meet bail conditions, including finding suitable sureties and providing required documentation.
There have been concerns raised about individuals being asked to pay bribes for bail, which is a serious issue that needs to be addressed,” the female lawyer ended.
Her comment, however, elicited a sharp response from one of the NDLEA staff who stated: “This is what we have a problem with. What was the judge’s reasoning for granting bail to a man like Bigitel and his associates? Can you imagine the US granting El Chapo bail at this juncture? I have a serious problem when I want to consider that there is more to this bail and these men now on the run than meets the eyes. The houses and others our government would seize are all properties they would end up fighting over to possess. I don’t think Bigitel and men or women like him should not be given bail in a country like Sierra Leone that is seriously grappling with widespread drug addiction and smuggling. Sierra Leone is the safest place to sell drugs and get rich quick. Imagine our image and reputation around the world as a narco state and safe haven for all manner of criminality. Why? Well, all because of our justice system that can release a guy like Bigitel from jail and expect him to hang around for judgement.”
…to continue