By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate Marke Ngagba of Pademba Road Court No.1 has ordered Abdul Conteh alias ‘Lion’ a business man to be remanded in prison.
The accused was arraigned before the Court for the offence of incitement contrary to law.
According to the police charge sheet, it was alleged that on Sunday 17th August, 2022 at No. 15 Stadium Bye Pass Road, Makeni in the Bombali Shebora Judicial District in the North East region, the accused Abdul Conteh AKA De Lion did make inciting messages with intent to undermine the peace and security of the country.
Some of the messages sent via WhatsApp are as follow; ” Good morning, no matter which part of this Country you are or part of the world you are residing, my family, this is going to the Ex-service men, with regards to the plan we have, tomorrow is the day, and you are all aware of the pensions you are receiving which is Le250,000, in connection with the message I sent, we have our plans in which we have done every thing.
Cobra Battalion, Tiger and Scorpion, you know, for you that are in Makeni don’t allow Abu Abu to go anywhere because they are ready to escape, for Port Loko people you know what to do with Alpha Khan, Waterloo you know what to do, don’t forget the password, we should fight tomorrow, we have already succeeded in ensuring that President Bio go because he has already gone and does not have the love of the country, he would have come and since he has sat there for long, this is the second day for the sit at home, he didn’t come, that has shown that he never loved the people of the country.
I’m an ex military officer and tomorrow is the day, and we do believe that Sierra Leone would eventually come back to freedom, and indeed we have gotten the freedom.
He further called on Kailahun, Bo, to go out in large numbers to defend Sierra Leonean.
Police records also said those who would go to State House they will walk there in teams, and they have to do it, and let anyone miss how to walk, and that Soldiers would fully secure them.
The accused pleaded not guilty after the charge that was put to him by the court clerk.
Police Prosecutor CSP Tommy Zizer informed the Bench that his witness was absent and therefore sought for adjournment.
Upon that background Defense Counsel M. Baraytay requested bail for his clients. He said that his client has spent 117 days under custody, adding that his client is a cardiac patient.
The learned Lawyer assured the Bench that the accused would not jump bail if granted.
He made his bail application pursuant to section 79 of the criminal procedure Act No.32 of 1965.
Magistrate Ngegba refused bail based on the seriousness of the offence and that he wants to hear the evidence form the Prosecution side.
He adjourned the matter to Monday 23rd December, 2022.