By: Audrey John
Bangura, Mohamed Jalloh, Kadiatu Kamara, Osman Junior Kamara, Maseray Bangura, Kadiatu Bangura, Mohamed Kargbo and forty-eight others made their first appearance before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba road court No.1 in Freetown on twenty one count charge ranging from Disorderly behavior, Riotous conduct, Malicious damage, Loitering, Carrying offensive weapon and throwing missiles.
According to the particulars of offence the accused persons on Wednesday 10th August 2022 at various locations within Freetown behaved in a riotous and disorderly manner police also alleged that on the same date the accused persons were found throwing missiles and loitering within Freetown, on the said date the accused persons maliciously damage K-Step police post, Kissy police post, Congo Water police post, Approved school police post, Wellington police post, building property of value the Sierra Leone Police.
The charges were read and explained to the accused persons and they pleaded not guilty.
Counsels representing the accused persons F.R Conteh and nine others applied for bail for and on behalf of the accused persons that they have been in custody for twenty-three days the accused persons have stated suffering before the verdict has been passed and some of them are school going pupils. He said for the adult their house hold depends on them and vouched on their behalf that they not will interfere with prosecution witness or witnesses. He added that the accused persons are Sierra Leoneans resident within this jurisdiction with reliable sureties who are willing and ready to go into recognizance on their behalf.
He made his application pursuant to section 79 3 of the Criminal procedure Act No.32 of 1965.
However Magistrate Ngegba refused bail and sent both accused persons to the male correctional center in Freetown. Relatives of the 55 young accused persons who were sent to prison shade tears, while one of them collapsed.
The matter was adjourned to the 7th September 2022 for further hearing and Assistant Superintendent of police Ibrahim S Mansaray Prosecuting the matter.
