By: Audrey Raymonda John
Chief Iman Abdul Karim Kanu and four others have made their second appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No.1 for maliciously damaging and throwing missiles at Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohamed Lamin Sankoh.
The incident occurred on Sunday 5th September 2021 at Kontolloh in Wellington Freetown.
The accused appeared before the court on three counts of assault occasion it actual bodily harm, throwing missiles, and trespass contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
It was alleged by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that the accused, on Sunday 5th September 2021 at Hill Top Kuntolloh in Wellington Freetown assaulted Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohamed Lamin Sankoh in a manner thereby causing him grievous bodily harm.
It was also alleged that the accused, on the same date and place in Freetown, were found throwing missiles at the complainant’s.
The police say the accused, on the aforesaid date and address in Freetown, maliciously damaged a window panel, valued at one hundred Leones (NLe100), five zinc sheets valued at five hundred Leones (NLe500) totaling six hundred Leones (NLe500) Five accused.
On the last hearing the police prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Osman M. Bangura made a token start and sought for adjournment, adding that he wanted to have proper conference with his witness, application which was granted.
During yesterday’s hearing the prosecutor (ASP) Osman M. Bangura told the bench that though the witness earlier stated that the incident occurred on 28th September 2021 he is now going by the date on the face of the file which is Sunday 5th September 2021.
On the contrary, Defence Counsel, M. Fomba objected to prosecution’s saying that it was unfair of the part of the Defence being that the PW 1, who is the factual witness, was not undress or mentally disturbed when he said the incident on 28th September 2021. Lawyer Fomba said for the prosecution saying another date didn’t come from the witness itself and as a result it will undermine the accused’s defence by exposing them to danger.
Moreover, he said the accused are before the court on a specific day and the prosecution made mentioning of another it will prejudicial to out away the probate value if the evidence.
He said if the statement is incorporated it will prejudicial to the Defence counsel.
Responding, ASP sought for an adjournment assuring that he will put his house in order.
ASP Bangura`s application was granted.
The matter was adjourned to 3rd April 2023 for further hearing.