By: Audrey John
30yrs-old business woman, Fatmata Bah has on Monday 7th February 2022 sent to prison for allegedly trafficking 16 Years old Assiatu Bah from Guinea to Sierra Leone for the purpose of exploitation.
The accused who made her first appearance in court before magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road court No 1 on two counts charges of Conspiracy to commit Human Trafficking contrary to section 18 of the Anti- Human Trafficking Act 2005, Act No7 of 2005 and Engaging in Trafficking in person contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
According to the police, the accused on diverse date between 13 December, 2021 and 19 December 2021, at Freetown conspired together with other persons unknown to trafficked Assiatu Bah from Conakry-Guinea to Sierra Leone for the purpose of exploitation.
Whiles counts two added that the accused on the aforementioned dates engage in Trafficking in person by the receipt of Assiatu Bah from Conakry -Guinea to Sierra Leone by means of deception for the purpose of exploitation.
Defence Counsel C. Davis Cole Esq prosecuting the matter informed the court that his witness is absent and therefore could not proceed with the matter. Defense Counsel applied for bail on behalf of the accused stating that she is a Sierra Leonean ordinarily resident in Freetown with reliable sureties.
He added that if his client is put on bail, she will be of good conduct and will not in any way jump bail. His application for bail was made pursuant to section 79 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965. The prosecutor in reply did not oppose to bail on the grounds that the accused was already granted bail at the CID HQ.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura having heard the application for bail on behalf of the accused refused bail and sent the accused in prison due to the serious nature of the offence charged. He adjourned the matter to the 10th February 2022 for further hearing.