By: James Kamara-Manneh
ACP Brima Kamara spokesman for the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has laid to rest discussions and speculations that the Hip-pop artist late Foday Allieu aka ‘Big Fish’ who was gunned down by a military officer last week that the SLP has no personal properties (cars, monies etc) for him in custody.
Following the dramatic event, ACP Kamara affirmed that the allegations against the SLP are not true, but if the family of the late artist thinks they need clarities they should call on them in a civil and respectable manner.
Some members of the public were alleging that the late man on the date for the incident left the Sierra Leone Police Headquarters’ demanding that his properties to be returned to him out of frustration he forcefully snatched a rifle from the hand of a female OSD officer and started shooting randomly.
The SLP media Officer mentioned that ‘Big fish’ has been questioned by the Police for several incidents such as the Law Court where he was brandishing a cutlass in public view, incident at Lumley, Land issues etc.
On the other hand, ACP Kamara said it is not the duty of the public to suggest who to secure a rifle as security personnel. He said operations officers depending on their assignment will require to carry a rifle; weapon training is carried out for all OSD officers, and it is discretional.
He also said investigation into the 21st September incident is unfolding and the findings will guide the SLP going forward.
Whereas the military officer who played a heroic role has been appreciated by the police as he acted within the ambit of the Law and he judiciously made use of the Rules of Engagement. The Sierra Leone said he was neutralized, he (Big Fish) shot at the police officer had he not been protected by a bulletproof jacket, the military officer would have been gone down and possibly many civilians would have died.
The Sierra Leone Police emphasized that the incident had been handled professionally to protect public safety. They assured the public that the situation was under control and normalcy had been restored, promising further details as the investigation progressed.
While investigation continues, the hip-pop artist Foday Allieu has been laid to rest by his family members and friends yesterday in Freetown.
