By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 has refused bail to eleven accused persons who appeared before him over allegations of riotous conduct and disorderly behaviour at Kroo Town Road.
The eleven accused persons were subsequently remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The accused persons are Foday Kargbo, Daniel Morray, Alusine Bah, Ibrahim Bangura, Ibrahim Mansaray, Mohamed Sesay, Musa Kamara, Byron Browne, Mohamed Sesay, Patrick Swarray and Bannister Samba.
They are facing four counts: carrying an offensive weapon without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, contrary to Section 16(1) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965; throwing missiles, contrary to Section 6 of the same Act; riotous conduct, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, as repealed and replaced by Act No. 15 of 1973; and disorderly behaviour, contrary to Section 12 of the Act, as amended by Section 15 of Act No. 2 of 1973.
According to the particulars of the offences, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Kroo Town Road and its surrounding areas in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused persons allegedly carried offensive weapons in a public place.
Count Two alleged that, on the same date and at the same location, the accused persons threw missiles at combined operational police personnel.
Count Three alleged that the accused persons behaved in a riotous manner, while Count Four alleges that they behaved in a disorderly manner.
When the charges were read and explained to them, all eleven accused persons pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Juan M. S. Bull Esq., informed the court that copies of the case file and inquiry file had been served on all the accused persons.
Defence counsel, A. B. Sesay Esq., acknowledged receipt of the documents and applied for bail on behalf of all eleven accused persons pursuant to Section 76(1) (c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
However, Magistrate Jah refused the bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences and the need for the court to hear the evidence in the matter.
The accused persons were subsequently remanded at the Male Correctional Centre.
The case was adjourned to September 28, 2026, for further proceedings.