By: Audrey John
Ex-Military Personnel of RSLAF Joseph Sheku Jalloh and six others were yesterday Thursday 25th August, 2022 remanded back to prison for allegedly rioting and unlawfully possessing arms at Sambaia Bendegu.
The accused were before the Magistrate Sahr Mark Ngegba of Pademba road court No.1 for nine counts charges ranging from possession of small arm without License, carrying offensive weapon, threatening language, obstruction, and riotous conduct all contrary to law.
According to the particulars of offence, on Wednesday 8th June, 2022 at Sambaia Bendugu, Tonkolili District in the North East of Sierra Leone, the first accused Joseph Sheku Jalloh was found in possession of one small arm to wit short gun without license.
On count two, the second accused was found carrying offensive weapons to wit cutlass and knife.
Police further alleged that the six and seven accused threatened to burn down the house of Honorable Paramount Chief Alhaji Bamba Foray Jalloh, count seven states that the fourth accused obstructed the Sierra Leone Police when executing their lawful duties, while count nine added that the accused behave in a riotous manner.
Led in evidence by the State Counsel A.G.M Bockarie Esq., while conclusion of his evidence after he commenced his testimony on the previous appearance, the third Prosecution Witness (PW3) Chief Inspector of Bendegu Police Post John Lamin produce and tendered a search warrant which they executed during the alleged incident, adding that a single barrel gun was discovered in the premises of the first accused.
The PW3 said he obtained statement from the first accused and on the 9th June, 2022, the 6th and 7th accused were arrested by Robert Salia Kamara and others, who alleged that the 6th and 7th accused threatened to burn down the house of the Paramount Chief Musa Bamba Foray Jalloh. The PW3 asserted that he was on duty on the 21st June, at the said Police Post when one Inspector Steven from Magburaka Division arrived and asked him to make a statement, which he did.
At this stage, the Lead Defense Counsel J F Kamara Esq., intimated the Bench that he would commence his cross examination after the Prosecution would have serve him certain documents in relation to the evidence of the witness. He however renews his previous bail application, noting that the offences are bailable and that his clients have been in custody for several months. He made his application pursuant to section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.
The learned Lawyer assured the Bench that his Clients would not jumped bail if granted.
Magistrate Ngegba refused bail citing the seriousness of the offences and that the accused are not residents of Freetown. The matter will come up again on Monday 29th August, 2022 for cross examination.
