By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate Saio Mamakoh Betty Kallon of Pademba Road Court No. 3 in Freetown has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of RSLAF Colonel Mohamed Suffian Kargbo, who is standing trial on allegations of wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Colonel Kargbo is facing two counts: Wounding, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, contrary to law.
According to the particulars of the offences, the accused allegedly, on 11 April 2025, at No. 33 Freetown Road, Lumley, in the Western Area of Freetown, maliciously wounded Sahr Gbonia.
The second count alleged that, on the same date and at the same location, Colonel Kargbo assaulted Gbonia, thereby occasioning him actual bodily harm.
When the matter came up in court, the accused was absent.
Defence counsel, I.T.P. Bangura Esq., informed the court that his client was currently out of the jurisdiction.
Following the explanation, the prosecution, represented by Inspector Mohamed Kamara, applied for a bench warrant against the absent accused.
In response, Magistrate Kallon stated that no one is above the law and subsequently issued a bench warrant for Colonel Kargbo.
The Magistrate also admonished defence counsel to ensure that the accused does not appear in court wearing military uniform when he returns for the next hearing.
The matter was adjourned to 2 October 2026 for further proceedings.