By: Audrey Raymonda John
Metropolitan police officers at the Freetown City Council have dragged Sulaiman Bangura, Amid Jalloh, and Hawa Mohamed Bangura to court for allegedly engaging in disorderly behavior during their daily demolition exercise targeting individuals occupying buildings owned by the council.
The accused made their first appearance before Principal Magistrate Shar Kekura at the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1, where they were remanded in custody.
When the case was called, Sulaiman Bangura and Amidu Jalloh were present in court, but Hawa Mohamed Bangura was absent, and as a result, the charges were not read to them.
In light of Hawa Mohamed Bangura’s absence, prosecutor ASP Ibrahim Mansaray applied for a bench warrant to arrest her. The Magistrate granted the application.
Inspector Kabba Conteh, the witness called by the prosecutor, was asked by Magistrate Kekura if the demolition team had received a court order to carry out their duties. Conteh responded that he was unaware but mentioned that he had received an order from the council. He also stated that a letter of request for police assistance had been sent to the Sierra Leone Police but that the team proceeded with the demolition without waiting for the police’s response.
Magistrate Kekura pointed out that by law, any demolition should be conducted with the presence of the police. He emphasized that while the Freetown City Council Metropolitan Police officers may have the authority to act, their powers are limited. He clarified that the police should have accompanied them, regardless of whether the Freetown City Council authorized the action.
The Magistrate further noted that the Freetown City Council Metropolitan Police should have followed legal procedures, as failure to do so led to the alleged challenge from the accused. He stated that when conducting demolitions, armed protection should be arranged to ensure safety.
After admonishing the officers involved, Magistrate Kekura remanded the accused in custody. The matter is scheduled to continue on 28th March 2025 for the beginning of the hearing.
