By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 28-year-old businesswoman, Eppie Turay, has made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing a charge of cyberbullying.
The accused is charged under Section 44(1)(b) of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Act 2021 (Act No. 7 of 2021).
According to the particulars of the offence, the alleged incident occurred between 1st and 31st October 2025 in Freetown. The prosecution alleges that the defendant used Facebook accounts under the names “Ada Yansaneh” and “Aiisha Yansaneh,” as well as a WhatsApp SIM number, to willfully and repeatedly communicate directly with Alphanatu Konteh in a manner she knew would have a detrimental effect on the complainant.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
The prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, informed the court that the prosecution had served the defence counsel with a bundle of witness statements.
Defence counsel, S. Bangura Esq., confirmed receipt of the documents, stating his intention to cross-examine all prosecution witnesses. He also applied for bail on behalf of the defendant pursuant to Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
In his ruling, Magistrate Fornah stated that he had considered the bail application and the prosecution’s affidavit in opposition. He granted bail to the defendant in the sum of NLe 50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
The court further ordered that the sureties must be Sierra Leonean citizens resident in Freetown, with fixed addresses and gainful employment, and must provide valid national identification for verification.
Additionally, the magistrate ordered that the defendant must not contact the complainant or any potential witnesses either directly or through social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
The case has been adjourned to 16th April 2026 for further proceedings.