By Marion Rion Bangura
The High Court of Sierra Leone has remanded a man accused of possessing a human skull allegedly intended for use in the production of kush, a dangerous narcotic substance that has become a major public concern across the country.
The accused, Augustine Joe Dauda, appeared before Justice Isata Sellu Tucker last Friday to answer charges relating to the unlawful possession of human remains and alleged involvement in activities connected to the manufacture of illegal drugs.
Following the presentation of evidence by the prosecution, the court ordered that Dauda be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre and denied him bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the public interest surrounding the case.
Dauda faces two counts. The first relates to possession of materials allegedly intended for the manufacture of illegal drugs, contrary to provisions of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008. The second charge concerns the unlawful exhumation of a grave without medical supervision, an offence under the Public Health Act of 2023.
According to prosecutors, the accused was arrested on December 5, 2025, at the Kent Police Checkpoint in the Western Area. Law enforcement officers allegedly discovered a human skull in his possession during the operation.
The prosecution further alleges that investigations revealed the skull had been unlawfully removed from a grave in Bureh Village sometime between January and December 2025. Authorities contend that the remains were intended for use in activities linked to kush production, an allegation that has heightened public concern due to growing reports of criminal practices associated with the illicit drug trade.
During the proceedings, Detective Police Constable Julius Abu Kamara testified for the prosecution and identified the human skull, marked as Exhibit A, before the court.
The officer told the court that the accused voluntarily led investigators to the location where the remains were recovered. He maintained that the recovery process was conducted as part of police investigations into the matter.
Defence Counsel J.M. Jengo challenged aspects of the investigation during cross-examination, raising concerns about the handling of evidence and questioning whether investigators had properly reconstructed the alleged crime scene. However, the witness insisted that the accused had willingly cooperated with investigators and directed them to the recovery site.
The court also heard testimony from forensic pathologist Dr. Simeon Owiz Koroma, who presented findings from a forensic examination conducted on the recovered skull.
According to a report dated February 12, 2026, and admitted into evidence as Exhibits A1 to A3, forensic analysis determined that the skull belonged to a female believed to have been between 35 and 45 years old at the time of death.
Dr. Koroma further informed the court that the remains showed signs of what he described as ritual manipulation. He stated that the skull was wrapped in black sheepskin, secured with black thread, decorated with cowries and coins, and contained pieces of paper placed inside the eye sockets.
The revelations have generated widespread public interest and renewed concerns about the reported use of human remains in criminal activities. Community leaders and public health advocates have repeatedly warned against grave desecration and practices that violate both cultural values and public health regulations.
Authorities have also expressed concern over the continued spread of kush and its devastating impact on communities, particularly among young people. Officials maintain that efforts to combat drug-related crimes remain a national priority.
Justice Isata Sellu Tucker adjourned the matter to June 25, 2026, for further hearing. The prosecution is expected to call additional witnesses as the case continues.
The court’s final determination will depend on the evidence presented during the trial, and the accused remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
