By: Audrey Raymonda John
The 5th Defense witness Foreign Relations Protocol Officer, Violet Gbessay Kargbo told the court that she has worked with Mayor Aki Sawyer for about 5 years.
She recalled Saturday 17th September, 2022, when she, the Mayor and Councilor Gibrill Turay went to Sea coach at Aberdeen to board a sea taxi to Lungi.
She said when they arrived at the Lungi airport, one protocol officer was given to them at the airport when they went through security checks, adding that they proceeded to the VIP room and whilst in there they met the Minister of Planning and Economic Development and the Information Minister, Mohamed Rahman Swaray.
The witness furthered that the Mayor introduced Councilor Ice T to the Ministers.
She said whilst they were waiting for their documents to return to Freetown, Councilor Ice T told the Mayor that he was going to observe prayer (Muslim Prayers).
Shortly after speaking with the Mayor, she left the airport and returned to Freetown.
State Prosecutor Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq. declined to cross examine the fifth Defense witness.
At this stage, Defense Counsel Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq informed the Bench to lead two more witnesses on the next date.
The matter was adjourned to Monday 27th March, 2023 for further hearing.
It could be recalled that the Defense had open its case in debunking the allegations of obstruction of Police duty and disorderly behavior which allegedly took place on Saturday 17th September, 2022 at Lungi airport police division.