October 20, 2021
By: Audrey John
Nabieu Unisa Raymond Bangura and Agnes Kutu Reffell have on the 19th October, 2021 made another appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba road court No.1 in Freetown, while Hon. Emmanuel Saidu Conteh was absent.
Magistrate Kekura issued warrant of arrest for the third accused person, Hon Emmanuel Saidu Conteh and sureties.
The accused persons are before the counts on twenty-six count charges ranging from Aiding and Abetting to conceal pistol Magazines contrary to section 29 (3) of the Arms and Ammunition Act 2012, Act No.9 of 2012.
According to the particulars of offence on a date between May and 2nd July 2021 in Freetown conspired with other persons unknown to commit a felony to with transfer of Arms and ammunition in to Sierra Leone without license.
The third accused on Tuesday 19th October 2021, was absent in court while the 1st and 2nd accused were present. The matter was slated for Monday the 18th October 2021 but it was a public holiday. But the law requires an accused whose matter was adjourned and the adjournment date falls on a public holiday for which there is no sittings, that accused must come to court on the next day after the holiday, said the Magistrate.
Magistrate Kekura stated that the failure by the 3rd accused to present himself to court cannot be excused because 1st and 2nd accused persons were present in court and the third accused failed to avail himself.
Lawyer James Momodu Fornah Sesay, representing the 3rd accused person pleaded on behalf of his client but bench warrant was issued against his client.
The state was represented by Yusuf Isaac Sesay, and the matter adjourned to 25th October 2021for further hearing.