By: Audrey Raymonda John
Nineteen-year-old Augustine Seilolo has been committed to the High Court in Freetown for trial on three charges of wounding with intent, wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The committal was made by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 following the conclusion of preliminary investigation proceedings.
The charges are brought under Sections 18, 20 and 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
According to the particulars of the offences, on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, at Tank Yard, off Presidential Hodge Hill Station, Mountain Rural District, Western Area, Freetown, Seilolo allegedly wounded Steven Bangura with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
The second and third counts further alleged that, on the same date and at the same location, the defendant maliciously wounded and assaulted Bangura, occasioning him actual bodily harm.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken, as the matter was before the court for preliminary investigation.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Theresa Ballay, presented witnesses and evidence before the court before the matter was adjourned for ruling.
In his ruling, Magistrate Fornah said he had carefully examined the three charges, their particulars, the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses and the exhibits tendered in court.
He also considered the defendant’s voluntary caution statement and charge statement made to the police.
The magistrate explained that, at the preliminary investigation stage, the court was required to determine whether the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence linking the defendant to the alleged offences to warrant his committal to the High Court for trial.
Magistrate Fornah noted that the defendant had admitted to the allegations in statements made at the police station.
After considering the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defendant’s statements, the magistrate said he was satisfied that sufficient evidence existed to warrant the defendant’s committal to the High Court.
He consequently committed Seilolo to the High Court for trial.
Despite the committal, Magistrate Fornah granted the defendant bail pursuant to Section 116(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, in the sum of NLe30, 000, with one surety in a like amount.
The surety is required to be a senior citizen residing in Freetown with a fixed address, gainfully employed and able to provide proof of employment and a valid identification card.
The bail is subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.