By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 42-year-old engineer, Emmanuel Marshall, has again appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on a one-count charge of cyberbullying, contrary to 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 accused allegedly committed the offence between 4 May 2025 and 24 February 2026 in Freetown through various social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok. Police alleged that Marshall, using accounts under the name “Emmanuel Marshall,” willfully and repeatedly created, published, and shared bullying messages and livestream videos targeting the Minister of Lands and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, the Director of Surveys and Lands, Tamba Sahr Dauda, and staff of the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused knowingly engaged in conduct capable of causing emotional distress, reputational damage, and other harmful effects on the complainants and ministry staff through the repeated dissemination of the alleged offensive content on social media.
When the matter was called in court, the charge was read and explained, but no plea was taken from the defendant.
However, proceedings could not continue due to the absence of the accused in court. Following his failure to appear, State Prosecutor Y. I. Sesay applied for a bench warrant to be issued against both the defendant and his surety.
In his application, the prosecutor informed the court that the accused had failed to appear without providing any explanation and urged the court to compel his attendance to ensure the smooth continuation of the matter.
After listening to the submission made by the prosecutor, Magistrate John Manso Fornah granted the application and consequently issued a bench warrant against the absent defendant and his surety.
The matter was adjourned to 14 May 2026 for further hearing.