By: Audrey Raymonda John
The thirty second accused persons on the August 10th riotous conduct Maada Bio Bockarie has said he was tortured and manhandled by police officers who arrested him on the 10th of August 2022.
Maada Bio Bockarie was arraigned before magistrate Marke Ngagba with fifty six others on allegations of riotous conduct, disorderly behavior and other related offenses.
Led in his defence by defence counsel M Baratay, the accused on the 10th August 2022, he left his resident to come and cross check something at Muraldo about the new administration when he said they were there waiting with another boy when they heard people shouting.
The accused said they came outside to ascertain what was happening they saw people fleeing in different directions.
Explaining further the accused said the people they tried to questioned told them there was a protest and all activities have been put on hold.
“My lord upon hearing that I immediately move towards the old road and was about to board a vehicle when a police vehicle arrived, parked and arrest us”, he stated.
In a question put to him by defence counsel, the accused said he was not part of those who were involved in the protest neither damaged the police stations that were alleged to be damaged.
He said at the time the police were obtaining statement from him he was not legally represented nor giving the opportunity to read over his statement.
Cross examined by the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ibrahim Shielk Mansaray, the accused said he is a third year student at Muraldo studying international business.
He said he was tortured and manhandling by the police who arrested him.
When questioned as to his mission at Muraldo, he confirmed that he went there on the date of the alleged incident to cross check about the other causes they are offering.
After perusing his file shown to him by the court clerk, the accused in another question put to him by the prosecutor denied arrested with a scissors.
The thirtieth accused person, Santigue Kamara who resides at Satia Lane Portee and a Labourar of G Shankadas and Son also took the witness stand and narrated how he was arrested and detained by the police in connection to the riot.
The thirteth accused said he was arrested on the 11th of August 2022 right in his parlor.
He said the arrest was effected after three police officers arrived and demanded that they want to search the house on warrant. “My lord I was arrested and fettered in the presence of my uncle who tried to question them”, he stated.
The thirteth accused further narrated that he was taken to kissy police station where they were detained and later released for questioning.
In cross examination, the accused said the police informed him that they are arresting him in connection of the protest.
At the conclusion of cross examination, the matter was adjourned to Thursday for the other accused to defend themselves.