By: Audrey Raymonda John
Ibrahim Deen, a staff member of the National Youth Service, made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing two charges: malicious damage contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861 and the use of threatening language contrary to Section 3(i) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965.
According to the particulars of the offence, on March 3, 2025, at #37 Spur Road, Western Area, Deen allegedly maliciously damaged a wooden door valued at seven thousand Leones (Le 7,000), the property of the complainant, Valentina Norman.
The second charge further alleges that on the same date and location, the accused used threatening language against the complainant, stating, “Ar go chap di domot en damage you,” with the intent to provoke her into committing a breach of the peace.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.
Counsel representing Deen applied for bail, stating that the accused is a Sierra Leonean resident within the jurisdiction, has reliable sureties willing to enter into recognisance on his behalf, and would not interfere with prosecution witnesses or jump bail. The application was made pursuant to Section 79(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
Magistrate Bangura granted bail in the sum of three hundred thousand Leones (Le 300,000) with one surety in like sum. The surety must provide a recent National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) identity card depicting their address in Freetown. Bail is to be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar. The matter was adjourned to March 31, 2025.
