By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate Marke Negba has ordered a bench warrant against Councilor Sheku Alhassan Gibreal Turay for failing to appear in court.
The accused was under trial before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of the Pademba Road Court No.1 for one count offence of incitement contrary to law.
According to the particulars of the offence, unknown date between 1st January 2021 and 31st December 2021, at New City Hall Administrative building, Wallace Johnson Street, Freetown, the accused did make inciting statement with intent to undermine the peace.
Among the witness that prosecute him was the Cyber analyst Mohamed Jusu who stated that his role was to analyze all scientific evidence and do a report on them when required to do so.
He said on the 23rd of September 2022, he was on duty at the cyber lab when he received a request and a flash drive containing a video for examination, analysis, and report.
Jusu said he used a tool called hash key which he used to harshed the video to check its authenticity and also used a tool called voice analyser which is used to check whether a voice has been tampered with or not, adding that it help him to know that the said video was authentic and was not tampered.
According to the Cyber analyst, he played the video severally where the accused made a statement.
He said in order to capture the words of the accused in the video, he was making his statement in Krio and he transcribed it into the English language.
M Jusu stated that he reduced his observation to findings dated 19th October 2022, while the flash drive has been in his custody.
At the end of his examination in chief, Jusu was cross-examined.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, the defence headed by lawyer Lansana Dumbuya encouraged their client to testify, challenging the allegation he was brought to court for.
Shortly after the matter was mentioned by the court clerk, Defense counsel A Bangura informed the Bench that he has been able to speak with his client. He sought the leave of the Bench in order for him to contact his client.
Magistrate Marke Ngegba ignored the application and further ordered a bench warrant against the accused returnable on Monday 29th of May 2023.