By: Audrey Raymonda John
Eleven people have been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 on allegations of riotous conduct, throwing missiles and disorderly behaviour at Kroo Town Road.
The accused persons are Foday Kargbo, Daniel Morray, Alusine Bah, Ibrahim Bangura, Ibrahim Mansaray, Mohamed Sesay, Musa Kamara, Byron Browne, Mohamed Sesay, Patrick Swarray and Bannister Samba.
They are facing four counts: carrying an offensive weapon without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, contrary to Section 16(1) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965; throwing missiles, contrary to Section 6 of the same Act; riotous conduct, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, as repealed and replaced by Act No. 15 of 1973; and disorderly behaviour, contrary to Section 12 of the Act, as amended by Section 15 of Act No. 2 of 1973.
According to the particulars of the offences, on Sunday, 13 September 2026, at Kroo Town Road and its surrounding areas in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused persons allegedly carried offensive weapons in a public place.
The second count alleged that, on the same date and at the same location, the accused persons threw missiles at combined operational police personnel.
The third count alleged that the accused persons behaved in a riotous manner, while the fourth count alleges that they behaved in a disorderly manner.
When the charges were read and explained to them, all eleven accused persons pleaded not guilty.
During the proceedings, defence counsel I. Samba Esq. and Ibrahim F. Sawaneh Esq. represented the accused persons.
Counsel made an application in respect of the tenth accused, Bannister Samba, arguing that he is below the age of criminal responsibility.
Counsel referred the court to Section 70 of the Child Rights Act, stating that the charge sheet indicates that Bannister Samba is 14 years old. Counsel argued that under the Child Rights Act 2007, as amended in 2025, a child below the prescribed age should not be subjected to criminal proceedings in the same manner as an adult.
In response, ACP Juan M. S. Bull Esq. argued that the defence had not presented evidence before the court to establish the claim regarding the accused’s age.
Following the submissions, the court adjourned the matter to 5 October 2026 for a ruling on the application.