By: Audrey Raymonda John
Six accused persons Amara Edwards, Sorie Bangura, Ibrahim Kanneh, Mohamed Bangura, Kabba Mansaray, and Kumba Mansaray made their first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on multiple charges relating to alleged illegal activities in the Regent area.
The defendants were arraigned on several counts, including conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful entry into a national park, deforestation, illegal construction within a protected area, damage to flora, and obstruction of law enforcement officers.
According to the prosecution, led by CSP Zizi, the first four defendants Amara Edwards, Sorie Bangura, Ibrahim Kanneh, and Mohamed Bangura allegedly conspired with other persons unknown on Sunday, 15 February 2026, at Gata Land, Mod Side, Regent, in the Freetown Judicial District, to commit a crime.
The prosecution further alleged that, on the same date and at the same location, the accused unlawfully entered the National Park, contrary to Section 7(m) of the Wildlife Conservation Act of 1972 (as amended). They are also accused of engaging in deforestation activities, contrary to Section 4 of the State Lands Act of 1960.
Additionally, the charge sheet states that the defendants carried out construction works within the National Park without a licence, thereby altering the soil, contrary to Section 7(c) of the Wildlife Conservation Act of 1972 (as amended). They are also alleged to have uprooted, burned, and damaged flora within the protected area, contrary to Section 7(f) of the same Act.
In a separate count, Kabba Mansaray and Kumba Mansaray were charged with obstruction contrary to law. The prosecution alleged that on the same date at Gata Land Motor Road, Regent, they obstructed officers of the National Protected Area Authority while game guards were carrying out their lawful duties.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty.
Addressing the court, CSP Zizi informed the bench that the prosecution had commenced proceedings under Section 85 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 and requested an adjournment to present its first prosecution witness.
Defence counsel F. J. Amara Esq., representing all the defendants, informed the court that he had received the prosecution file and applied for bail on behalf of his clients. He argued that the defendants are Sierra Leonean citizens with reliable sureties, are not flight risks, and would not interfere with the course of justice. He further stated that there was no affidavit opposing bail, pursuant to Section 72(1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah stated that he would consider the bail application later and adjourned the matter to 22 February 2026 for further hearing.