By: Audrey Raymonda John
33 accused persons including Abubakarr Kargbo, Ibrahim Amidu Jalloh, and Mohamed Kamara, Suliaman Bangura, Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, Lukman Yayah, Fatmata Sesay, Alisha Kanu, Fatmata Conteh, David Johnson and others were arrested on the 11th September 2023, by the Police concerning the an illegal protest.
All 33 accused persons on Thursday 14th September 2023, made their first appearance before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Court No.3 Ross Road, Freetown, on five counts ranging from conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law, and unlawful procession contrary to Section 17 (3) of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965.
Incitement contrary to law, riotous conduct contrary to Section 11 (a) of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965 as repealed and replaced by Act No.14 of 1973 and disorderly behavior contrary to Section 12 of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965 as repealed and replaced by Section 12 (a) of Act No 15 of 1973.
According to the particulars of offence on count 1, all accused persons on 11th September 2023, East End part of Freetown, conspired together and with other person’s unknown to commit a crime, to wit unlawful procession.
Count 2 state that, all accused persons on the same date and time were found in an unlawful procession without lawful authority.
Count 3 state that, all accused persons on the same date and place did invite members of the public to commit the breach of the peace.
According to count 4, all accused persons on the same date and place behave in a riotous manner.
Count 5 state that all accused persons on the same date and place did behave in disorderly manner.
When the charges were read, they pleaded not guilty.
The accused persons were represented by battery of lawyers led by M. Bayraytay Esq.
The lead Prosecutor Erick A Deen told the Court that he will bring his first witness on the next adjournment date
But the lead defense counsel M. Bayraytay Esq. applied for bail, but was objected by the Prosecutor.
Magistrate Hadiru Daboh did not grant the accused persons bail, he remanded all accused person in custody to the male and female correctional center in Freetown matter adjourned to 21st September 2023.
DSP Erick A Deen and Chief Inspector Francis Macauley prosecuted the matter.
