By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 on Thursday, 12th June 2024, issued a bench warrant against Amidu Sesay, an associate of Sierra Leonean rapper Kao Denero, for failing to appear in court in a case involving allegations of assault and intimidation filed by musician Frederick Peters, popularly known as Famous.
During court proceedings, the second accused, Mohamed Kargbo alias Med Denero, was present, but the first accused, Amidu Sesay, was absent. In response, lead prosecutor Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan Bull applied for a bench warrant to be issued against Sesay and his sureties, who had guaranteed his appearance before the court.
Magistrate Jah granted the application and, despite a plea in mitigation from defense counsel Zacharias Kanu to maintain bail conditions for both accused, the magistrate rescinded their bail. The matter was then adjourned for continuation of hearing.
Sesay and Kargbo are standing trial on seven counts, including: Conspiracy to commit a crime, Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, Disorderly behavior and Intimidation all contrary to various provisions of Sierra Leonean law.
According to the charge sheet, on February 22, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, the accused persons allegedly conspired with unknown individuals to assault Frederick Peters (Famous) and Ibrahim Fofanah, causing them actual bodily harm.
The indictment further alleges that the accused behaved in a disorderly manner and intimidated the victims, causing fear and emotional distress.
The case continues today as the court seeks to enforce accountability and ensure the presence of all defendants.