By: Dawda M Jallow
Two Nigerian nationals have been remanded at Mile II Central Prison by the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court over charges relating to storing and selling medicines from an unauthorised premises in Serrekunda.
The accused, David Ojukwu and Christina Emeka, appeared before Magistrate Binta Sowe, where they were charged with storing medicinal products from an unauthorised premises, contrary to Section 59 (1)(e) of the Medicines and Related Products Act, 2014.
Both the accused persons was not represented by a lawyer.
Chief Inspector A. Bojang announced his appearance on behalf of the Inspector General of Police and led the prosecution.
According to the charge sheet, the offence was committed on 24 June 2025 at Serrekunda in the Kanifing Municipality.
Prosecutors told the court that the accused were found in possession of large quantities of medicinal and cosmetic products without lawful authority.
The items allegedly recovered included 20 cubes of Funbact A Cream, 19 cubes of Neoskin Cream, 15 cubes of Visieta Plus Cream, 10 cubes of Kandoral Cream, nine cubes each of Tribact Cream and Ski Gud Cream, seven cubes each of Beneks Clear Tone Cream and Clear and Smooth Cream, six cubes of Visible Difference Cream, four cubes of Gaxten Cream, and one bag of assorted items.
When the charges were read to them, both accused pleaded guilty but told the court they were unaware that the medicines required registration or storage in authorised premises.
Narrating the facts, Chief Inspector Bojang said the accused were arrested during a joint operation conducted by the Medicines Control Agency in collaboration with other security personnel. The operation targeted illegal dealers of medicinal products at the Serrekunda market.
He explained that officers identified themselves before searching the shops belonging to both accused persons, where the medicines were discovered. All items were seized, listed, and confirmed by the accused, who signed the inventory before being escorted to the Serrekunda Police Station.
At the police station, the accused were interrogated, and both admitted the offence. Voluntary and cautionary statements were obtained in the presence of an independent witness, and thumbprints were taken.
The prosecution applied to tender the seized medicines and the statements as exhibits.
Prosecutors also requested that the medicines be returned to the Medicines Control Agency for destruction. The court granted the application.
In her ruling, Magistrate Binta Sowe ordered that both accused persons be remanded at Mile II Central Prison pending sentencing.
The matter was adjourned to 6 January 2026 at 12:00 noon.
