November 29, 2021
Abdulai Jalloh and seven other accused persons have on the 26th November, 2021 made another appearance before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba road court No.2 in Freetown for preliminary investigation on five count charges ranging from Conspiracy to Riotous and to throwing of missiles.
According to the particulars of offence that on Wednesday November 24th 2021 at Syke street the western area in Freetown, the accused persons conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a crime to wit Riotous conduct, and in the process used abusive and insulting words, intimidate, and throwing missiles on ASP John Songo Mansaray, Inspector Hawa Conteh, Constable 11868 Ernest Conteh with intent to provoke them to commit a breach of the peace.
The charges were read to all the accused persons and they pleaded not guilty on each count charges.
First Prosecution witness (PW1), Sergeant 11134 Mohamed Koroma attached to the western police station Adelaide Street recognized all accused persons as motor bike riders.
He said on Wednesday 24th November 2021 he was at the roundabout of St. John when he received information from inspector Hawanatu Conteh that motorbike riders are plying the central business district (CBD).
He said himself together with Sergeant Conteh, (Police Constable) PC Lansana and Inspector Hawa Conteh moved along Syke Street to Ascension Town where it has been declare prohibited and instructed PC Lansana to get hold on the bikes with their keys and accompanied them to the station.
He said as they approached Kingtom, they saw large crowd of motor bike riders throwing missiles at them. The police officer said they manage to arrest some and charged court.
The witness said while they were at the said police station they saw another large crowd of bike riders in front of the police station using insulting languages and threatened to burnt the station.
Pw1 identified the second accused person and statement was obtained from him and his witness.
Cross examination by defense counsel, Randy S Bangura the witness confirmed that Skye Street is a prohibited area. He further stated that the police are not supposed to arrest bike riders and when they parked waiting for passengers.
At the ends of the witness cross examination, defense counsel Randy S. Bangura applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons. He said they are resident within his jurisdiction and have fixed abode. He further stated that they are not flight risk, and have reliable sureties who are willing and ready to enter into recognizance on their behalf.
Bail was refused and matter adjourned to the 1st December 2021.