The Citizen News

  Mohamed Kamara, a teenager, found himself facing charges of housebreaking and theft in connection with the “Mayenkineh” Road theft, landing him in front of Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Ross Road Court No. 1. The court appearance follows a single count charge of housebreaking and larceny, as outlined by law enforcement officials. According to the police report, the accused, Kamara, is alleged to have committed the offense on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at a residence on 14th Mayenkineh Road in Freetown. It is said that Kamara entered the dwelling house of Mohamed Kanu with the intention of stealing. Stolen items valued at four thousand and forty Leones, belonging to Mohamed Kanu, were reportedly taken. During the court proceedings, Sub-inspector Osman Bangura, stationed at the Exhibit Office at Ross Road Court, took the stand as the second prosecution witness. He recounted his involvement, noting that he was on duty when Sergeant Koroma handed him the recovered stolen items. Sub-inspe...

  In an ongoing preliminary investigation involving the alleged possession of the prohibited drug “kush,” the police have submitted a formal charge statement as part of the legal proceedings. The accused, Mohamed Koroma, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Ross Road Court No. 1, facing two counts of charges related to the unlawful possession of cannabis sativa. The police report reveals that on May 1, 2023, at No. 115 Bai Bureh Road in Kissy, Freetown, the accused, Mohamed Koroma, was apprehended and found to be in possession of thirty-four wraps of “kush,” weighing a total of 12.5 grams. This possession was deemed to be without lawful authority under the law. Despite the charges leveled against him, the accused entered a plea of not guilty. The second prosecution witness, DPC 11443 Juliet Mattia, provided her testimony during the proceedings. Recalling events from May 1, 2023, DPC Mattia stated that she was on duty when the Anti-drugs Unit apprehended the accused and b...

  The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has issued a resolute cautionary note regarding the proliferation of spurious scholarship offerings circulating on various social media platforms. The Ministry’s recent investigation uncovered the existence of fabricated profiles masquerading as government officials, including the incumbent Minister of Technical and Higher Education. These fraudulent accounts have been shamelessly promoting nonexistent scholarship opportunities on Facebook. In an official press release, the Ministry unequivocally condemned these deceptions as “utterly baseless” and stressed the grave nature of such deceptive tactics. These activities amount to criminal conduct, and the Ministry’s officials are fully prepared to initiate legal proceedings against those accountable for perpetrating this fraudulent scheme. To safeguard the credibility and accuracy of scholarship information, the Ministry strongly urged aspiring students to exclusively authe...

  The courtroom held its breath as Amara Joseph Bundu, a military officer residing at Wilberforce Barracks, took the stand to provide crucial testimony in the ongoing case against Abu Bakarr Fayoma. The 20-year-old is facing charges of housebreaking and larceny, accused of stealing military property. Bundu, an astute witness, testified that he recognized the accused as a fellow resident of Wilberforce Military Barracks. He recounted the events leading to the arrest, stating that while he was on duty, he received a call from his superior indicating that an individual had been apprehended by the military police. The detainee was suspected of breaking into Bundu’s quarters and making off with military uniforms and other belongings. Upon arriving at the scene, Bundu discovered that the padlock securing his quarters had been forcefully tampered with and items were missing. His testimony underscored the perturbing breach of security within the military barracks. Despite an applicat...

  A distinguished delegation from the Chinese Embassy, led by Ambassador Wang Qing, conducted a courtesy call to the office of Minister of Sports, Augusta James-Teima, at Bishop House, Brookfield’s, Freetown, on Friday, August 4, 2023. The purpose of the visit was twofold: to extend congratulations to Minister James-Teima on her appointment as the first female Sports Minister, and to reaffirm the enduring partnership between China and Sierra Leone within the realm of sports. Welcoming the esteemed guests, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Morrison Gboyor, conveyed their gratitude for the visit. Ambassador Wang Qing praised Minister Augusta James-Teima and the Sierra Leonean government for providing a groundbreaking opportunity for female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated domain. He also expressed his eagerness to maintain the productive collaboration established during the tenure of the former Minister, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh. The Ambassador assured that the Ministry’s ...

  In a resounding display of commitment to bolstering Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems, the Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the National Civic Registration Authority (NCRA) and its partners, marked the sixth Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day at the prestigious 34 Military Hospital. August 10th annually holds special significance as Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day. This observance is dedicated to heightening public awareness about the critical importance of promptly registering vital events, notably births and deaths, through efficient civil registration and vital statistics systems. Against this backdrop, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) joined hands with fellow African nations on August 10th, 2023, to commemorate this year’s Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day, anchored on the theme, “Harnessing the Potential of Digitalized Civil Registration Systems: Amplifying Co...

In a courtroom packed with tension and emotion, three Nigerians and four Sierra Leoneans faced six counts of charges, including conspiracy, larceny, and kidnapping. The alleged victim, Nigerian investor Onyeka Obasi Umeji, testified before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of the Pademba Road Magistrate Court, detailing his ordeal at the hands of the accused. The incident revolves around an investment venture with his Nigerian associate Austine Chkwuwik in Sierra Leone. Umeji recounted the harrowing events, stating that he had been lured to a meeting location by Austine, who had informed him about staying at Jessica One Hotel in Lumley. Confused and unfamiliar with Freetown, Umeji attempted to reach Austine, whose unresponsiveness raised concerns. Eventually, he encountered the accused, leading to a nightmarish encounter. According to Umeji’s testimony, the alleged leader of the gang, identified as the first accused, forcibly removed him from his vehicle. A police officer, identified as the f...

  Due to political belief... APC Sympathizer  Declared Wanted! As political tension getting worsen in Sierra Leone especially the capital city of Freetown where some members, supporters and sympathisers of the All Peoples Congress (APC) party the main opposition were target by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) ruling government. In the bustling city of Freetown, Martin Kargbo a resident of 24 Abbot Street, Fourah Bay, eastern part of Freetown a sympathiser of the APC party and satellite technician was arrested during a demonstration after the pronouncement of 24 th June, 2023 elections as the APC party supporters believed that the elections were rigged. According to a friend of Martin Kargbo, Martin was beaten, humiliated and tortured by the Sierra Leone Police that always protecting and serving the government of the day and failed to secure and protect the citizens of the State was taken to the Ross Road Police Station and he was incarcerated for two days and the prot...

  By Justice Salone   In a significant display of gratitude and appreciation for the timely intervention of Sierra Leone, to render assistance and supports to Guinea after the explosion of their main fuel terminal on December 18, 2023. A high delegation from the Republic of Guinea, led by the Prime Minister Bernard Goumou, were in the country Sierra Leone, to render their heartfelt gratitude, and appreciation on behalf of President Col. Mamady Doumbouya, and the people of Guinea, to the President of Sierra Leone, H.E Julius Maada Bio, for the timely intervention and support extended to them during their crucial need. Part of the visit to Sierra Leone, was also for the Prime Minister, Barnard Goumou, to present prestigious awards on behalf of president Mamady Doumbouya, and the people of Guinea, to a delegation of fifteen (15) members from Sierra Leone, cited from; 1. The Petroleum Regulatory Agency. 2. The Sierra Leone Medical Team. 3. The Nation Disaster Management Ag...

By Mustapha Ezekiel Dumbuya The Government of the Republic of Guinea has sent a high-powered delegation to Freetown in appreciation of Sierra Leone's prompt intervention when an explosion in Conakry recently took lives in addition to property worth millions of dollars. Led by their Prime Minister, Dr. Bernard Goumou, the Guinean delegation comprised their Foreign Minister, Minister of Energy and Petroleum, and other key stakeholders from the Government of Guinea who visited Sierra Leone from the 4th to the 5th of January 2024. The delegation met with His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio and top Sierra Leone government officials and conveyed messages of appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for supporting Guinea in time of need. A special ceremony was held in the auditorium of the Foreign Service Academy where the Prime minister lavished praises on Sierra Leone's Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh who led an emergency medical team to Guinea at the time. The VP...

  By Mohamed Aruna Popular Rapper, Alhaji Amadu Bah ‘Boss LA’ has met with the Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh after release from the Pademba Road Prison. Boss La regained his freedom on Monday, January 1st, 2024, alongside 351 other inmates who were beneficiaries of a presidential pardon extended by President Julius Maada Bio. Since his release, the rapper has been actively reconnecting with various stakeholders and fellow Sierra Leoneans, marking each interaction as a pivotal step in his journey towards reintegration and impactful contributions to the entertainment sector. The meeting with the Vice President stands out as yet another milestone in Boss La’s post-incarceration endeavours, further solidifying his commitment to making a substantial impact within the realm of entertainment. Alhajie Amadu bah has been in court for several years for chreminal offences against the state and he was given presidential pardon on 1 st January, 2024 by Dr. Julius Maada Bio th...

  By Andrew Kamara The Communique signed on October 18th, 2023, by the government of Sierra Leone and the opposition APC has captured widespread global attention, drawing focus particularly from the United Nations. Renowned as the premier international organization committed to fostering peace, security, cooperation, and development among nations, the UN serves as a pivotal forum for member countries to collaboratively address a spectrum of global issues. These encompass human rights, humanitarian aid, environmental sustainability, and international law. On January 11th, 2024, the UN Security Council will discuss Sierra Leone’s tripartite peace agreement in a closed-door session. This underscores the gravity of the issues encapsulated in the document and affirms the commitment of the global community, as represented by the United Nations, to engage in constructive dialogue. There is no room for doubt – this development is poised to make a substantial impact on the geopoli...

  27 Military Officers are to be arraigned on Wednesday 10th January 2024 before a Court-martial presided over by the Judge Advocate, Marke Ngegba and seven Court Members who are Military Officers. The accused persons are before the court to answer to 88 count charges including Mutiny, Aiding the Enemy, Failure to Supress a Mutiny, committing a Civilian Offence and Stealing of Public or Service Property among others in respect of their alleged involvement in the failed Coup attempt of November 26, 2023. In preparation ahead of the trial on Wednesday, a pre-trial hearing was conducted and directions given to both the Prosecution and the Defence. The State is represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Osman Kanu and a battery of Lawyers from the Law Officers’ Department and the Military while all accused persons were also represented by their respective lawyers. Representing the 17th accused, Lawyer Julian Cole raised an objection pursuant to Section 89 of the Armed ...

  By Alima Kargbo Amadu Koita, and others has on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, made their second appearance at the Magistrate court no. 2 Presiding by Santigie Bangura at Freetown. They faced charges related to the failed coup attempt that occurred on Sunday, November 26th, 2023, in Freetown. The accused, charged with offenses such as Treason, Misprision of Treason, Harbouring, aiding and abetting the enemy. The group comprises former police and correctional service officers, a former Minister from the previous All Peoples Congress Government, and the current National Organizing Secretary of a political party, Bai Mahmoud Bangura, who is reportedly receiving medical treatment at the Kingtom Police Hospital. All accused individuals have legal representation, underscoring the gravity of the charges they are facing. The legal proceedings aim to illuminate the alleged roles played by these individuals in the failed coup, marking a crucial moment for justice and accountability. ho...

 

 

On the path to achieving rice sufficiency, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Sahr Hemore, launched the ECOWAS Rice Observatory (ERO) National Chapter of Sierra Leone, known as the Sierra Leone Rice Observatory (SLeRO), yesterday. The launch, held at the Sierra Palm Hotel in Freetown, was attended by key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, making Sierra Leone the fourth nation to establish its chapter. Abdulai Bun Wai, serving as Chairman of the launch, revealed that this initiative began in 2019 with the goal of ensuring that West African nations become rice-sufficient as swiftly as possible. Mr. Wai emphasized that over 800 million people in Africa depend on rice, with two-thirds of that figure residing in West Africa. Hence, it is imperative for the region to feed itself. He pointed out that, currently, the continent relies heavily on rice imports from Asia and other regions, which is a significant limitation. “This limitation is a wake-up call,...

By Adama B. Kamara A Senior University Lecturer at the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU), Christopher Bangura was declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police for Sunday 10th September, 2023 demonstration in the streets of Freetown and other parts of the country for allegedly inciting, mobilizing and leading youth that resulted to the huge loss of lives and destruction of properties. It could be recalled that on 10th September, 2023 several citizens stormed the streets of Sierra Leone to demonstrate against the government for the hardship, high cost of living and rapid inflation in the country and prior to the demonstration there were audio messages on social media calling on Sierra Leoneans to come out and protest against the government and informed the international community that they were tired with the happenings and hard times they were going through in the country. This medium gathered that Christopher Bangura has been going through several intimidation, threats, har...

The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) in Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Minority Rights Group International and with support from the European Union, successfully concluded a three-day retreat. The retreat aimed to educate and empower activists and journalists in Sierra Leone to effectively advocate for and report on Minority Rights Issues (MRI). Held at the Dohas conference hall in Bo, Sierra Leone, the intensive three-day retreat concluded on Wednesday, September 13. It brought together acti vists and journalists from Sierra Leone, with a specific focus on educating them about minority rights issues. Participants in the retreat made a collective commitment to promote Minority Rights Issues (MRI) in Sierra Leone. The primary objective was to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for and report on minority issues effectively. The participants expressed their appreciation for the knowledge and skills acquired during the retreat. Journalists, in particu...

Thirty-one individuals who were allegedly involved in the September 10 protest, marked by acts of violence, made their first court appearance and have been remanded in prison. Among the accused persons are Abubakarr Kargbo, Ibrahim Amidu Jalloh, Mohamed Kamara, Suliaman Bangura, Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, Lukman Yayah, Fatmata Sesay, Alisha Kanu, Fatmata Conteh, David Johnson, and others. They were apprehended by the police at various locations in Freetown and subsequently brought before Magistrate Hadiru Darboh at Ross Road Court No. 3 in Freetown. These individuals face five charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful procession, incitement, and disorderly behaviour, all contrary to the law. According to the charge sheet, on September 11, 2023, in the East-end of Freetown, the accused persons conspired with others unknown to commit the crime of unlawful procession. Additionally, they were found in an unlawful procession without lawful authority on the same date and time. It i...