By Mamajah Jalloh
Abdulai Kamara, a 20-year-old bike rider, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment on Monday, November 18, 2024, after pleading guilty to escaping lawful police custody.
The sentence was handed down by Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1.
Kamara faced charges under Section 23 of the Criminal Procedure Act 179 of the Laws of Sierra Leone. According to court records, the incident occurred on June 1, 2024, at the Congo Cross Police Station in Freetown. Kamara, then in custody as a charge prisoner awaiting trial, fled the station after being left unsupervised by officers.
During proceedings, Detective Police Constable 17649 Kargbo B presented the facts of the case. Kamara admitted to escaping after a police officer gave him money to buy water. The accused confessed that he exploited the momentary lapse in supervision to flee the station.
In mitigation, Kamara pleaded for leniency, stating it was his first offense and explaining the circumstances of his escape. The prosecutor confirmed that Kamara had no prior criminal record.
Taking into account Kamara’s guilty plea, his cooperation with the court, and his remorse, Magistrate Kekura opted for a lighter sentence of 12 months imprisonment to be served at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
This case highlights ongoing challenges with police custody protocols and the potential consequences of lapses in supervision.
