By Audrey Raymonda John
In separate proceedings at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown, two individuals faced charges related to the possession of firearms without proper licensing. Inspector 9939 Mohamed Lahai, the lead prosecution witness in both cases, presented evidence before Magistrate Sahr Kekura.
The first case involved an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Gibrila Tarawally, attached to the Waterloo division. Inspector Lahai testified that on December 29th, 2023, he received orders to assemble a team to investigate intelligence received regarding an individual in possession of illegal firearms. Upon reaching the premises of the accused, they found a shotgun and two cartridges concealed in a black plastic bag inside the accused’s residence. The accused was promptly arrested and taken into custody.
During cross-examination, the accused challenged the circumstances of his arrest, claiming he was coerced into giving a statement. Despite the defense’s objections and assertions of innocence, Magistrate Kekura denied bail and remanded the accused to the male correctional center in Freetown. The case was adjourned to February 22nd, 2024.
In a parallel case, 33-year-old Chernoh Conteh appeared before the same magistrate facing similar charges of unlawful possession of firearms without a license and unlawful concealment of arms. Conteh was allegedly found in possession of a shotgun and two cartridges at the Concern pump in Kissy Town, Waterloo Judicial District, on the same date.
Counsel for Conteh, C. Kamara, made a bail application on the grounds of Conteh’s Sierra Leonean residency and the availability of reliable sureties. However, Magistrate Kekura, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns over potential interference with witnesses, denied bail and ordered Conteh’s detention at the male correctional facility. The case was also adjourned to February 22nd, 2024.
Both cases underscore the judicial stance against illegal firearms possession, emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the importance of upholding legal procedures in addressing such matters.
