By: Audrey Raymonda John
A family dispute over property at Mountain Cut, Freetown, has featured in a domestic violence case involving 50-year-old consultant Gabriel Kargbo, who is facing two counts under the Domestic Violence Act 2007.
Kargbo, of No. 13 Kroot Town Road, Freetown, was alleged to have committed economic abuse and psychological abuse against Mohamed Kargbo, with whom he was alleged to have been in a domestic relationship.
According to the charge sheet before Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown, the alleged offences occurred between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, at Mountain Cut, within the Freetown Judicial District.
The first count alleged economic abuse, while the second count alleged psychological abuse. The allegations have not been proven and remained matters for determination by the court.
During proceedings, Marie Kargbo, a retired teacher and elder sister of both the complainant and the accused, testified about a family dispute concerning a property at No. 17 Mountain Cut, which she said belonged to their late father, Alhaji Alm Kargbo.
Marie told the court that, during the period in question, several family members, including Gabriel and Mohamed Kargbo, contacted her and asked her to meet them at Mountain Cut.
She said that when she arrived, the family discussed plans to demolish their late father’s house and develop the property.
According to her testimony, she initially objected to the proposal because she wanted to see the relevant documents relating to the property. She said she was later persuaded to consider the proposal on the understanding that a larger house would be constructed for the benefit of the family.
Marie further testified that the family later sought assistance from Legal Aid to resolve the disagreement. She said they were encouraged to settle the matter among themselves and that a lawyer, identified in her testimony as Elvis Kargbo, also encouraged them to resolve the dispute amicably.
However, she told the court that the disagreement continued.
The witness said she asked to see the documents relating to the house but alleged that the accused was reluctant to hand them over. She further alleged that Gabriel Kargbo claimed ownership of the property and that family members who went to the house were threatened with arrest.
Marie also told the court that she was at one point invited to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where she made a statement to the police.
She said her interest was to see the family dispute resolved and justice served.
During cross-examination by Defence Counsel I. Forfanah, Marie acknowledged that there was a dispute within the family and confirmed that this was the reason the matter had come before the court.
She told the court that she did not personally report the matter to the police, explaining that Mohamed Kargbo made the report on behalf of the family.
The witness maintained that the property belonged to their late father. She said the accused had possession of the property but alleged that other family members were not benefiting from it.
When questioned about her evidence, Marie maintained that her testimony was based on what she personally knew.
There was no re-examination of the witness.
The matter was adjourned to October 5, 2026, for further hearing.