By Alimatu Jalloh
Magistrate Mark Ngegba of the Pademba Road Court No.1 on Tuesday, remanded 12 people accused of riotous conducts on August 10.
The accused Abubakar Conteh and 5 others were arraigned on two counts of riotous conduct and disorderly behavior contrary to law.
According to the particulars of the offences, the accused on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Central Business District in Freetown did behave in a riotous and disorderly manner.
The accused pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant 9155 Dwight Macarthy informed the Court that his witness went sent on a special duty and could not be on duty.
Lead Defense Counsel Lansana Dumbuya Esq. requested bail for his clients, stating that they are ordinary resident of Freetown who have credible sureties that would enter their cognizance. He assured the Bench that his clients would not jump bail if granted.
Magistrate Ngegba refused bail on the condition that he would want to hear the evidence of the witness. He therefore instructed the prosecutor to produce his witnesses on Friday, September 2, 2022, being the adjourned date, assuring that he may endeavor to hear evidence from three witnesses on that day.
In another development in the same court, Lamin Kessebeh and five others were arraigned on three counts of disorderly behavior, riotous conduct, and throwing missiles contrary law.
According to the particulars of offences, on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Lungi, Kaffubulom Chiefdom in Port Loko District, the accused did behave in a riotous and disorderly manner and were found throwing missiles.
The accused pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned.
Also,no witness was available.
At this stage, Defense Counsel AR Kargbo Esq. requested bail for his clients but his application was rejected. The matter will come up on Thursday, September 1, 2022, while Magistrate Ngegba instructed the prosecutor to produce his witnesses on the said date.