The corridors of justice witnessed a significant development as Matthew Mendy, a 41-year-old Gambian national, made an appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at the Pademba Road Court No.1 on Friday, April 19th, 2024. Mendy stands accused of being apprehended with a shotgun at the Freetown International Airport, prompting legal scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mary Finda Ngawuja, the aviation security supervisor stationed at the Westminster section of the Freetown International Airport, took the stand as the second prosecution witness, shedding light on the events leading to Mendy's arrest.

Ngawuja recounted her duty on Monday, January 29th, 2024, when she and her team were conducting routine security checks at level three of the airport's scanning point. It was during this process that an object resembling a shotgun was detected via the scanning equipment. Ngawuja promptly alerted other security personnel, and upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the suspicious item was housed in luggage bearing Mendy's name.

Upon confronting Mendy, Ngawuja requested a physical search of his belongings, which he consented to. Mendy affirmed ownership of the luggage and confirmed that he had packed it himself. During the search, the shotgun was discovered concealed within a soldier's boot. Mendy claimed possession of the firearm, citing its intended repair in Gambia as the reason for its transport. Subsequent examination of his passport confirmed Mendy's Gambian nationality, leading to his apprehension by the Sierra Leone Police.

Under cross-examination by Lawyer Chernor Kamara, Ngawuja acknowledged that the luggage had already undergone prior levels of security screening before the discovery of the shotgun at level three. She clarified her involvement in overseeing all three levels of security and emphasized that the detection occurred during her shift.

Further testimony was provided by the third prosecution witness, Police Corporal Fanta Fofanah, who attested to obtaining a statement from Mendy at the airport's cargo unit. Fofanah also disclosed the discovery of a knife with a brown handle, although Mendy disclaimed ownership of the item.

The proceedings concluded with the matter adjourned to April 26th, 2024, and Mendy remanded at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown pending further legal proceedings.

As the case unfolds, it underscores the paramount importance of stringent airport security measures and the imperative for thorough investigation into potential breaches. The judiciary remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for alleged infractions, regardless of the individuals involved.