By: Audrey John
All the male accused persons were brought by the police convoy whilst their hair cut off from their heads Ishmael Bah, Mohamed S Bah, Zunaika Jabbie, Abibatu Sesay, Isatu Cece Kabba, Isatu Kargbo, Bintu Bangura, Ibrahim Bangura, Suliaman Shaw, Samuel waba Samura, Ibrahim Koroma and Ibrahim Kaba made their first appearance before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba road court No.2 in Freetown on two count charges to wit Disorderly behavior contrary to section 12 of the public order Act No.46 of 1965 as repealed and replaced by Section 12 (a) of Act No15 of 1973 and Riotous conduct contrary to Section 12 of the public order Act No.46 of 1965 as repealed and replaced by Section 12 (a) Act No.15 of 1973
According to the particulars of offence on Wednesday 15th June 2022 at Operation Support division headquarters King Harman Road the western area in Freetown all accused persons did behave in a disorderly manner on count two at the same place and date all accused persons behave in a riotous manner.
The charges were read and explained to the accused person and they pleaded not guilty
A.Bah, Madieu Sesay and ten others represented all accused persons.
Led in evidence by Superintendent of police Hawa Bah prosecution witness number one Sergeant 87100 Ramatulai Mabinty Conteh attached to the OSD headquarters King Harman Road the witness said on Monday he saw the 1st and second accused persons at the said office.
And on Wednesday he saw the ten accused persons he recalled on the 15th June 2022 the first and second accused persons request to see their brother in custody LAJ.
He told them that I don’t have idea about that and they insist to see their brother and told them to use the exit door he later saw the wife of LAJ the witness said on Wednesday the first and second accused persons came for the second time requesting to see their brother LAJ he later saw large crowd.
He went upstairs and informed her boss about the situation her boss Mansaray told her to ask the accused persons out.
The accused persons told her that they’re not going anywhere else they see LAJ in custody the police witness didn’t know the name of her boss the witness said the accused persons throw Mega Cola rubbers inside the office and her boss asked them to arrest the accused persons the witness said all the business people around closed their shops and they went home and she later made statement to the police
Cross examination by defense counsel A.Bah there where many people around on that day the witness said she arrested the one they’re able to arrest, and the crowd some of them where throwing Mega Cola bottles and because you fear for your life you cannot tell among those here who were throwing the Mega Cola rubbers.
Did you have a procedure before entering that police station the witness said they have receptions at the entrance, and you have a small post at the entrance gate at that particular time and there are police officers on that post, the witness said yes.
In front of that police station the only neighbors around is the school wall the witness said yes are you aware that the 1st, 2nd, 11th and 12th accused persons where not at the scene, the witness said they were at the scene.
You cannot stop people to pass along that street the witness said yes they cannot stop anyone to pass along, where were you at that day the witness said she was at the gate, was the gate open or closed the witness said the gate was opened.
Did you arrest all this accused persons the witness said she can’t arrest all of them, I’m putting it to you that the accused persons was brought to you and you didn’t arrest any of them the witness said he just arrived at the scene, I’m I correct to say that you arrest more people other than this accused persons because some of the where police officers kids.
the witness said she didn’t have idea about that, I’m putting it to you that you’re not telling the truth the witness said the gate was opened, the number 7and 8 accused persons were arrested near passer-by, the witness said she didn’t have idea about that.
I’m putting it to you that you were not in front of that gate the witness said they don’t have fence they have gate he concluded
Prosecution witness number two Sub Inspector Charles Dixon Alieu attached to the OSD headquarters Kingharman Road Freetown said he knew the first prosecution witness and he recognized all the accused persons in the dock.
He recalled on the 15th June 2022 something transpired between himself and the accused persons the witness said he came to know the first accused person on his first visit requesting to see his brother LAJ.
On the said date the accused persons came to the office with Four vehicles wherein the 8th, 11th 12th 6th 9th and 10th accused persons where in the vehicle they requested to see their brother by means or crook he said their commander Assistant Commissioner Patrick Moseray had the noise and AIG Francis Kowan came to calm them down.
He later get angry and ordered the arrest of the accused persons, they took them to the back of their police custody and they later made statement to the police
Cross examination by defense counsel A.Bah you identified five of this accused persons 1st 11th 8th 10th 9th 6th and 12th how long have you been in this profession the witness said for nineteen years.
It’s a norm for people to coming around in your station to make enquires the witness said yes, was LAJ in your custody the witness said yes did you grant LAJ brother access to see him no sir did you grant access to his Lawyers no sir can you tell how many police officers where at the office at that time the witness said they were many.
What is your duty at the said office he said his duty was operations. Where were you, the witness said he was outside the street.
Some of these accused persons where outside waiting peaceful the witness said yes, you didn’t know the reason of which they were arrested because you’re not present at the scene and you’re not the one that arrested them.
The witness said the accused persons were arrested for riotous conduct what did you refer as a riotous conduct the witness said when someone behave rudely and stone at police officers that is what they referred as riotous conduct the rest were arrested outside the gate.
You have a procedure at that office the witness said yes.
How did the first accused person entered the office the witness said he was at the reception asking for his brother the witness said seven officers was at the gate including the first prosecution witness.
Did you know that the 7th and 8th was arrested in their vehicle the witness said they weren’t are you telling me that people don’t pass through that area the witness said on that day people didn’t pass along that area.
Is that road a prohibited area the witness said no he concluded.
Counsel representing the accused person applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons pursuant to section 79 2 and 3 of the Criminal procedure Act No.32 of 1965 all accused persons are Sierra Leoneans resident in Freetown.
However, Magistrate Ngegba refused bail and sent all accused persons to the male and female Correctional center in Freetown.
The matter is adjourned to the 21st June 2022 for further hearing.
