August 27, 2021
By Audrey John
The first accused in the arms and ammunitions matter before magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba road court No.1 in Freetown Nabieu Unisa Raymond Bangura health condition is getting worse.
He entered the court walking slowly like a chameleon and coughing with tears flowing down from his eyes as the bench offers him seat.
The matter which is supposed to be heard got stalled because of lapses on the time agreed upon by both the state and defense counsel.
As soon as it was mentioned by the court clerk, State counsel Yusif Isaac Sesay informed the bench that his third witness is present, but magistrate Sahr Kekura said he will not hear the matter because the day has already elapse.
On that back drop, defense counsel for first accused, Emmanuel Teddy Koroma renewed his application for his client to go and get proper medical treatment.
He said he has made several efforts to explain to the doctor at the correctional centre on behalf of his client.
Responding to defense counsel`s application, State counsel Yusif Isaac Sesay said the doctor did not indicate the cause of illness on the medical report shown to him by the defense.
He said on that venture he is still opposing to bail and that they are fully ready to show their prosecutorial strength.
“My lord the third witness is a customs officer at the Queen Elizabeth quay and has leave his job to come and give evidence in court”, he said.
Defense counsel Emmanuel Teddy Koroma said the essence of granting bail did not have anything to do with the witness brought in by the prosecution.
He said whatever the condition the Bench may give its own discretion.
“I know state counsel Yusif Isaac Sesay is here to prosecute but not to persecute, let don’t argue until the unfortunate happens”, defense counsel stated.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura after observing the accused commented that he is indeed seriously sick.
“Honestly speaking I have double mind as to what decision I should take in his case”, magistrate Kekura stressed.
Counsel for third accused person, Melron Nicole Wilson rose and supported the application made by Emmanuel Teddy Koroma.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura granted first accused bail in the sum of Five hundred million Leones with two sureties in like sum.
He said he should be reporting to the AIG approved by the Inspector General of police on a daily basis and one of the surety must produce a title deeds and his bail condition should be approved by the deputy master and registrar.
He adjourned the matter to Monday 30th August 2021.