By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mohammed Sheriff appeared before Magistrate Mary Julia Gbloh at Pademba Road Court No. 5 on four-count charges including threatening behavior, trespass, and malicious damage, contrary to Section 15(1) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, and Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861.
According to the particulars of the offence: Count One stated that on 13th March 2023, at Banga Farm, Sussex, Freetown, the accused unlawfully entered the complainant’s land in a threatening manner.
Count Two: On 20th April 2023, he unlawfully entered the complainant’s land after being warned not to do so. Count Three: On 10th April 2024, he unlawfully entered and remained on the complainant’s property despite warnings. Count Four: On 2nd June 2025, the accused allegedly maliciously damaged a fenced gate, valued at SLE 55,000, belonging to the complainant.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken as the defendant was absent.
During testimony, Umaru Tabeajutu, a carpenter and neighbor, recounted several incidents of trespass and threatening behavior. He described multiple occasions when the defendant and an accomplice brought surveyors and building materials onto the complainant’s land without permission. On 2nd June 2025, he witnessed the defendant’s younger brother, Amara Sheriff, and others breaking the gated fence at the defendant’s instruction to bring materials onto the land.
Following the testimony, the complainant’s counsel applied for a bench warrant due to the defendant’s absence.
Magistrate Gbloh granted the application, ordering the issuance of a bench warrant for Mohammed Sheriff and his sureties.
The case was adjourned to 27th March 2025 for further hearing.