By Henry Kargbo
Ex- Military Personnel of RSLAF Joseph Sheku Jalloh and six others were last Thursday 25th August, 2022 remanded to the Male Correctional Service on Pademba Road in Freetown, for alleged riotous conduct and unlawfully possessing arms at Sambaia Bendegu.
The accused were before the Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba Road Court No.1 for nine counts charges ranging from possession of small arm without licence, carrying offensive weapon, issuing of threatening language, obstruction, and riotous conduct all contrary to the law.
The particulars of offence states that on Wednesday 8th June, 2022 at Sambaia Bendugu, in Tonkolili district, Northeastern Sierra Leone, the first accused, Retired Colonel Joseph Sheku Jalloh was found in possession of one small arm to wit short gun without licence. On count two, the second accused was found carrying offensive weapons to wit cutlass and knife.
Police further alleged that the sixth and seventh accused threatened to burn down the house of Hon. Paramount Chief Alhaji Bamba Foray Jalloh, count seven states that the fourth accused obstructed the Sierra Leone Police when executing their lawful duties, while count nine added that the accused behave in a riotous manner.
Led in evidence by the State Counsel A.G.M. Bockarie Esq., in conclusion of his evidence after he commenced his testimony on the previous appearance, the third Prosecution Witness (PW3) Chief Inspector of Bendegu Police Post, John Lamin produced and tendered a search warrant which they executed during the alleged incident he added that a single barrel gun was discovered in the premises of the first accused.
The PW3 said he obtained statement from the first accused and on the 9th June, 2022, the 6th and 7th accused were arrested by Robert Salia Kamara and others, who alleged that the 6th and 7th accused threatened to burn the house of PC Musa Bamba Foray Jalloh. PW3 asserted that he was on duty on the 21st June, at the said Police Post when one Inspector Steven from Magburaka Division arrived and asked him to make a statement, which he did.
At this stage, the Lead Defence Counsel Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq., informed the bench that he would commence his cross examination after the prosecution would have serve him certain documents in relations to the evidence of the witness. Lawyer J. F. Kamara renewed his previous bail application, saying that the offences are eligible for bail and that his clients have been in custody for several months. He made his application pursuant to section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.
Learned Lawyer Kamara reassured the bench that his clients would not jumped bail if granted. Magistrate Ngegba however refused bail citing the seriousness of the offences and that the accused are not residents of Freetown. The matter comes up today Monday 29th August, 2022 for further cross examination.
