By: Audrey Raymonda John
On Wednesday, 23 April 2025, Magistrate Kakura of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 ordered the remand of 43-year-old Ruth Jattu Turay, who stands accused of trespass and malicious damage.
Turay faces two counts: trespass, contrary to Section 15(1)(a) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, and malicious damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on Friday, 17 January 2025, at No. 1 Jay’s Drive, Mongegba Village, Grafton Highway, Freetown. The accused is alleged to have unlawfully entered land belonging to complainant Mabinty Bangura, who claims to have been acting on behalf of Christ Embassy Church. Turay had reportedly been warned not to access the premises.
On the same date and at the same location, Turay is also accused of maliciously damaging a building used as a church, valued at ninety thousand Leones (Le90,000.00), the property of Christ Embassy Church.
In her testimony, complainant Mabinty Bangura stated she had known the accused since the previous year. She recounted receiving a call about the incident and subsequently informing the church pastor. They reported the matter to the police, who visited the accused’s residence but did not find her. The following day, accompanied by a police officer and church members, they revisited the scene and observed damage to the premises.
Due to the seriousness of the allegations, Magistrate Kakura denied bail and adjourned the matter to Wednesday, 30th April 2025, for further proceedings.