By: Hafsatu Z Bangura
Alhaji Amadu Bah aka LAJ a popular musician, Ishmael Bah and Mohamed S.Bah and nine other accused persons including Zunaika Jabbie, Abibatu Sesay, Isatu Cece Kabba, Isatu Kargbo, Bintu Bangura, Ibrahim Bangura, Suliaman Shaw, Samuel Ulaha Samura, and Ibrahim Koroma have appeared before Justice Adrian Fisher of the Siaka Steven Street High Court for bail pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
Defense Counsel, Lawyer Maddieu Sesay joined by other defense, pleaded on behalf of the 11 convicts, for the judge to temper justice with mercy and not to give custodian Sentence but alternative with a minimal fine or even caution and discharge them or bind them over peace.
The 11 convicted persons were sentenced by Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba road Court No.2 in Freetown to 36 months (3-years) imprisonment after they were all found guilty on 2 counts of riotous conduct and disorderly behavior.
The 12th accused Ibrahim Kabia, was however discharged.
The convicts had gone to the Operational and Supports Department (OSD) headquarters of the Sierra Leone Police on the 15th June, 2022 demanding to see LAJ who was being held in custody
Defense Counsel, Lawyer Maddieu Sesay joined by other defense in craving the indulgence of the judge and further pleaded on behalf of the 11 convicts, for the judge to temper justice with mercy and not to give custodian Sentence but alternative with a minimal fine or even caution and discharge them or bind them over peace.
Lawyer Seay further appealed that the 7 and 8 accused (Bintu Bangura and Ibrahim Bangura) are husband and wife with a six month old baby.
The convicted persons were represented by Pa-Momoh Fofanah, while the state was represented by A.J.M Bockrie. However, Justice Fisher adjourned the matter to 1st September, 2022.
