May 21, 2021
By: Francis F.M.Harding
Police Witness, Rev. Professor Benjamin Koroma who is the pastor in-charge of Dynamic Evangelic Church appeared before Magistrate Sahr Keikura of Court No.1 Pademba road Freetown on the 19th May, 2021 to testified in a bigamy matter.
Alice Mansaray who is the complainant and Umaru Raymond Mansaray defendant both were in court with their lawyers. Madam Alice Mansaray has showed the court with photos of their wedding and marriage certificate at No.40 Babadorie Lumley in Freetown.
Testifying in court, witness said his role as pastor is to counsel, officiate wedding ceremonies, career service, preaching and teaching. Witness continued that on the 28th December, 2001 he was the officiating clergy for Mr. and Mrs.Mansary at No.40 Babadorie Lumley. He continued that the couple requested unlicensed marriage and both of them agreed on the souvenir for their wedding. He said they exchanged rings to each other and after that he issued those two certificates one for the husband to register at Roxy building; since then he said he had not seen the man or the two certificates.
Under cross examination, defense Lawyer J.M. Jengo asked the witness if he was having intimate relationship with the woman. Witness says no. Defense Lawyer asked witness that if the marriage was solemnized at Dynamic Evangelic Church. Witness said yes as that was the original church both of them were attending. Defense counsel asked if the congregations in his church are the one who are controlling him were the marriage was solemnized. Witness said no.
Defense asked whether it was a prerequisite that church marriage should be solemnized at his or all churches. Witness said no. Defense counsel asked if he has copy of the marriage certificate. Witness said no as he instructed the man to register it at Roxy building and after registering he should return with the one certificate to the church.
The Lawyers representing the complainant were A.M. Lamar, M.K. Kafu, E.W. Cole and A.R. Mansaray while J.M.Jengo and E.A.M.Sam represented the defendant. The matter has been adjourned to the 3rd June, 2021