33 accused persons including Abubakarr Kargbo, Ibrahim Amidu Jalloh, Mohamed Kamara, Suliaman Bangura, Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, Lukman Yayah, Fatmata Sesay, Alisha Kanu, Fatmata Conteh, and others were arrested on the 11th September 2023, by the Police in relation to unlawful protest.
All the 33 accused 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1965, Incitement contrary to law, riotous conduct contrary to Section 11 (a) of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965 as repealed and replaced by Act No.14 of 1973 and disorderly behavior contrary to Section 12 of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965 as repealed and replaced by Section 12 (a) of Act No 15 of 1973.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 indicates that all accused persons on 11th September 2023 in the East End of Freetown conspired together with other person’s unknown to commit a crime to wit unlawful procession.
Count 2 states that, all accused persons on the same date and time were found in an unlawful procession without lawful authority.Count 3 states that, all accused persons on the same date and place did invite members of the public to commit the breach of the peace. Count 4 further states that all accused persons on the same date and place behaved in a riotous manner and Count 5 adds that all accused persons on the same date and place did behave in disorderly manner.
When the charges were read in front of the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty. The accused persons were represented by a battery of lawyers led by M. Bayraytay Esq.
The lead Prosecutor Erick A Deen told the Court that he will bring his first Witness to testify in Court. But the lead defense Counsel M.Bayraytay Esq applied for bail for the accused, but was objected by the Prosecutor.
Magistrate Hadiru Daboh after listening to both sides of aisle refused to grant bail to the accused bail, and sent them in remand until 21st September 2023. DSP Erick A Deen and Chief Inspector Francis Macauley are the prosecutors of the matter.
