By Audrey Raymonda John
During the proceedings at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah granted a two-week adjournment in the case involving the All People’s Congress (APC) Secretary-General, Lansana Dumbuya.
In the absence of the lead defence counsel, the second defence counsel, Manely-Spaine, applied for further adjournment, stating that additional time was required to adequately pursue the defence’s no-case submission. The application was granted by the magistrate.
Mr. Dumbuya is facing three criminal charges in front of the court.
At the previous hearing two weeks earlier, the defence had also requested an adjournment to continue their no-case submission. Although the prosecution initially objected, the application was ultimately granted by the court.
During yesterday’s proceedings, the defence again sought more time, arguing that the adjournment was necessary to properly develop and present stronger legal arguments in support of their no-case submission.
The prosecution team, led by Yusif Issa Sesay, did not object to the latest application but expressed concern over repeated delays. He stressed that the matter should be concluded, noting that the defence had made several adjournment requests.
The lead prosecutor further argued that, in the interest of justice, the defence should ensure efficiency in their submissions, adding that repeated adjournments slow down court proceedings. He noted that the no-case submission phase has already spanned three to four sittings and urged the court to set a clearer timeline for progress.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah granted the adjournment and adjourned the matter to 30 April 2026 for further hearing.