By: Audrey Raymonda John
On Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court ordered the remand of two men, Amidu Sesay and Mohamed Henvan Kargbo, following allegations of assault and disorderly behavior brought forward by Sierra Leonean musician Frederick Dapay Peters Jr., popularly known as Famous.
The two accused, believed to be associates of the rapper Kao Denero, are charged with seven counts, including: Conspiracy to commit a crime, contrary to law, Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861, Disorderly behavior contrary to Section 12 of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1973 and Intimidation, contrary to law
According to the prosecution, on Saturday, 22nd February 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown, the accused, along with others yet unidentified, allegedly assaulted Famous and another individual, Ibrahim Fofanah, causing them bodily harm. The charge sheet further alleges that both accused behaved in a disorderly manner and intimidated the victims.
Upon the reading of the charges, both accused pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution team, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan Bull, was supported by ASP Ibrahim Mansaray, Maddieu Sesay, A.S. Sesay, and Chernor Kamara. Defense counsel Z.A. Kanu represented the accused.
In his testimony, Famous identified both accused in the dock and described them as “Kao Denero’s boys.” He recounted the events of the incident, stating he had gone to Lady Fest, an event organized by a fellow musician, Star Zero. After parking his vehicle, he noticed Kao Denero and his group entering the hotel as well.
“As I entered, one of Kao Denero’s boys known as K1 bumped into me on the shoulder. That’s recorded on the hotel’s CCTV footage,” Famous stated. He clarified that K1 is not currently before the court.
He continued, “Inside the hotel, I met Star Zero and went to sit by the pool. As I began to drink champagne, Kao Denero and the second accused, Kargbo, approached me.”
At this point, defense counsel Kanu objected to any mention of Kao Denero, noting he was not charged in the matter. However, Prosecutor Bull maintained that the charge includes conspiracy, allowing references to other involved individuals.
Magistrate Jah stated that if the testimony reveals sufficient evidence against Kao Denero, he would issue the necessary orders for his arrest and possible charges.
Continuing, Famous alleged that Kao Denero verbally assaulted him and directed Kargbo to spray him with pepper spray, which caused him pain and confusion. He claimed that during this, Kao Denero’s associates physically attacked him while hurling insults.
The prosecutor requested a short adjournment to allow for CCTV footage to be presented in court.
Defense counsel Kanu applied for bail on behalf of the accused, arguing that they are musicians, colleagues of the complainant, and not flight risks. He stressed that the allegations are not yet proven and that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty, citing Section 79(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
Though the prosecutor was prepared to object, Magistrate Jah stated that his standard procedure is not to grant bail upon first court appearances. As such, both accused were remanded in custody, and the matter was adjourned to 11th June 2025 for continuation of Famous’ testimony.