By: Audrey Raymonda John
Albert Sheriff Soloku (43, teacher), Turay (33, businessman), Musa Kamara (32, unemployed), Augustine Rashid Kelfal Josiah (45, Human Resource Coordinator), and Kadiatu Kamara (44, unemployed) were arraigned again before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The group faces one count of Proposing to Commit Murder, contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861.
According to the police charge sheet, on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Freetown, Western Area, the accused allegedly proposed to murder Musayaroh Barrie.
When the charge was read and explained in court, no plea was taken.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M.S. Bull Esq., the prosecuting counsel, informed the court that she would offer no further evidence against the third ac, which was upheld by the magistrate.
Lead defense counsel Madieu Sesay Esq. applied for the discharge of the remaining accused, arguing that the matter had been adjourned six times at the instance of the prosecution. He cited Section 5 of the Law Officers’ Code of Conduct (1965) and Section 94 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965 in support of his application.
In response, the prosecutor requested one final adjournment to produce her witness.
Defense counsel further requested bail for the accused, stating that reliable sureties were ready to stand in their defense.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Fornah ruled that the charges were serious and therefore denied bail, remanding all accused to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to June 4, 2025 for further proceedings.