By: Audrey Raymonda John
Forty-four-year-old businessman Tejan Kamara made another appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8, charged with domestic violence contrary to Section 2(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2007.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Sunday, 20th April 2024, and again on 26th April 2025, at Charlotte Street near UBA Bank in the Western Area of Freetown, Kamara allegedly economically abused Mariama Tarawalie, with whom he is in a domestic relationship.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.
Inspector Aminata Korio led the prosecution and called Mariama Tarawalie as the first witness. Tarawalie, an administrator at Kid Zone Academy in Wilberforce, said she knows the accused as part of her mother’s extended family. She recalled that on the stated dates, there was a financial transaction between her and the accused.
The accused had approached her with a business proposal to trade goods in Liberia. On 1st September 2024, he sent her an 8-minute and 22-second voice message detailing the proposal. On 20th October 2024, Tarawalie and the accused went to UBA headquarters on Charlotte Street to withdraw money. She withdrew the sum of 49,000, which she handed over to the accused. They agreed that this amount would be refunded by 31st December 2024, with the accused paying her monthly interest of 1,500. He paid the interest for November and December 2024.
The witness stated she called the accused several times to remind him to refund the principal sum, but he did not respond. On 3rd January 2025, she visited the accused’s residence on Fredrick Street but did not find him there. The accused later sent a message to his wife, asking her to meet the witness at their house on 44 Edward Street. Within 30 minutes, the accused arrived at her house. When she asked for her money, he replied, “Your money is gone like the breeze.” When she asked for clarification, he said he himself did not understand what happened.
The witness then informed him that she would take legal action. She proceeded to the Criminal Investigation Department, where she made a report and a statement was recorded. The accused has not repaid the money.
The accused was not legally represented in court.
Magistrate Samura adjourned the matter to 30th June 2025, with bail continued for the accused.