𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥… 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐝

Magistrate Santigie Bangura presiding over the ongoing treason Preliminary Investigation (PI) hearing against Amadu Koita and eleven other ex-military personnel has ordered for the appearance of the 8th accused, Bai Mamoud Bangura who is reported sick and hopitalised in Freetown.

The matter came up yesterday at the Freetown Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.2, and with the 8th accused Bai Mamoud Bangura who doubles as the National Organising Secretary of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) absent at the second hearing.

At yesterday’s hearing, Counsel representing Mr. Bai Mamoud Bangura, Africanus Sorie Sesay showed to the Court and State Prosecutors the original and photocopy medical report of the 8th accused, who he said is unwell.

The State Counsel, Ahmed James Maxwell Bockarie said he has seen the medical report document but needs the author of that report, which the State prosecutor described as just a piece of information.

Based on the said medical report, and because of the absent accused, Lawyer AJM Bockarie asked for an adjournment date for the charges to be read and put to all the accused persons as they are jointly charged.

He ordered for the absent accused to be brought before the court on the next adjourned date, and from that he would determine whether Bai Mamoud is fit or not fit for the charges to be put to him.

Magistrate Bangura further ordered for the accused to have better access to their counsels, which should be the goal of this matter, considering the nature of the offences charged.

“Let’s help the State and Lawyers to satisfy the trial,” Magistrate Santigie Bangura admonished.

The matter has been adjourned to the 11th January 2024 for the alleged related treason charges to be read and put to all the accused.