- 7 March 2024
Treason’ Trial… Court Calls Medical Report
By Henry Kargbo
Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown has ordered the defence council to bring the medical report of the accused person on the 27 of March 2024. Earlier in his submission in court, state prosecutor A.J.M Bokcari said the accused person is not before the court after when granted bail on the basis of medical reasons.
In his response, the lead Defence Counsel, Joseph F. Kamara told the court that they are aware of the duties of the court and they have filed an affidavit and was sworn to by the sureties, Hon. Mikialu Manasaray and Ambassador Foday Yanseh.
JFK said the documents they have filed has indicated why the accused is not in court, he quoted on paragraph 4 and 6 that has everything why the accused is not in court, he added.
Defence Counsel Joseph F. Kamara state that there is a reference of several applications and that the sureties, Hon. Ambassador Foday Yannasaneh and Alaji Minkailu Mansaray explained to the court as to the why the accused not in court.
One of the sureties, Alaji Mikialu Mansaray told the court that the accused should be in court and that they have made several efforts to get the report of the progress of the accused and that because the processes of the medical report it can’t be presented in court today, as assessments of the health status are still on going.
Mr. Mansaray apologized before the court for the absence of the accused. In another thrilling statement by state prosecutor AJ.M Bockarie said there is no commitment of the accused person’s presence and he understands the health status and wants to know when JFK said it’s from the bench to do the needful.
The, accused person should be expected to present in court to answer to charges with four offences, including treason, misprision of treason, and harbouring, saying the accused of playing significant role in failed coup of November 26, 2023. Magistrate Bangura has adjoined the mater to 27th March 2024 and firmly ordered that the defence council should bring the health report of the accused person, Ernest Bai Koroma.