By: Audrey Raymonda John
Popular entertainer Michael Williams has testified in a high-profile assault case involving Sierra Leonean rap star Kao Denero and two of his associates, who are accused of attacking fellow musician Fredrick Peters, also known by his stage name Famous.
The defendants, Amidu Sesay and Mohamed H. Kargbo (also known in the music scene as Med Denero), are facing a seven-count charge before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at the Freetown Magistrate Court. Charges include conspiracy, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, disorderly behavior, and intimidation, in violation of Sierra Leone’s criminal laws.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred on February 22, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, during a music event hosted by renowned female artist Star Zee. The defendants reportedly launched a coordinated attack on musicians Fredrick Peters (Famous) and Ibrahim Fofanah.
Testifying for the prosecution, Michael Williams told the court he had accompanied Peters to the concert. At the entrance, they encountered one of Kao Denero’s associates, who allegedly bumped into Peters. Choosing to avoid confrontation, they proceeded inside.
Williams recounted that while they waited by the poolside, Kao Denero and his team approached them in an aggressive manner. He alleged that Kao ordered his men to pepper spray Peters, and then sprayed him himself.
In the ensuing commotion, Williams said he fell while trying to escape, resulting in damage to his phone. He testified that Peters had to be treated with cassava leaves applied to his eyes due to the effects of the pepper spray. Photos were reportedly taken of Peters in that state.
The prosecution’s attempt to tender the photos as evidence was challenged by the defense. Defense counsel argued that the phone used to take the pictures was dated June 6, which is months after the February 22 incident. In response, the prosecution explained that the initial phone was submitted in error, and the correct device had only recently been retrieved.
Magistrate Jah ruled that the proper phone must be submitted and adjourned the case to July 21 for continuation of the hearing. Meanwhile, the accused remain in custody at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown.