By Mamajah Jalloh
Fifty-two-year-old Alhaji Mohamed Kamara, a former military personnel, was arraigned on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2. He faces a single charge of Incitement – Contrary to Law, accused of making statements intended to undermine the peace and security of Sierra Leone.
The prosecution alleged that on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in the Western Area, Kamara made inciting remarks claiming the current government, led by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, had unlawfully killed detainees arrested during the August 10, 2023 protests. Kamara further asserted that President Bio did not legitimately win the June 24, 2023 presidential elections and insinuated plans to overthrow him.
When the charge was read, Kamara pleaded not guilty.
Inspector Abubakarr Kargbo of the Central Investigation Department (CID) testified as the first prosecution witness. He identified Kamara as the accused and recounted how the matter was brought to the attention of the CID after a video surfaced allegedly showing Kamara making inflammatory statements with the potential to incite civil unrest.
Inspector Kargbo stated that the investigation was assigned to him and Sergeant 8904 Solomon Amadu. During questioning, Kamara’s responses were recorded in Krio and later translated into English by Sergeant Amadu, who signed the statement alongside Kargbo. The statement, admitted as Exhibit A1-8, was presented in court.
Kargbo added that Kamara’s mobile phone was seized and handed over to the cybercrime unit for forensic analysis. A further voluntary statement was obtained from the accused on October 21, 2024, using the same method, which was also tendered as Exhibit B1-8. On November 8, 2024, Kamara was formally charged, and the corresponding statement was marked as Exhibit C1-3.
Following the testimony, Magistrate Bangura denied bail, citing the gravity of the charge, and ordered that Kamara be remanded at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, November 26, 2024, for further proceedings.
Kamara, a retired military officer, remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.
