By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Magistrate Santigie Bangura on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, once again denied bail to Hussein Antar, Jamal Antar, and Sulaiman Barrie, who are facing serious charges related to the alleged importation of bomb-making materials into Sierra Leone.
During the court proceedings, state prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay informed the court that his witness was absent and requested an adjournment. In response, defense lawyer Emmanuel Teddy Koroma expressed concern over the health of the third accused, Sulaiman Barrie, whose condition, he claimed, was deteriorating. Koroma submitted medical reports to support his argument, stressing that “justice delayed is justice denied” and reiterated the defense’s readiness to proceed. He renewed his bail application, arguing that bail is intended to ensure an accused person’s future court appearance, which his clients would comply with.
However, state counsel Sesay continued to oppose the bail request, stating that the prosecution was making significant progress, having already presented four witnesses, and maintained that the adjournment was lawful. Addressing Barrie’s health, Sesay contended that the defense counsel was not a medical professional, pointing out that Barrie’s condition had actually improved since his initial court appearance. He also urged the court to consider the significant public interest in the case.
Magistrate Bangura, in his ruling, expressed satisfaction with the pace of the prosecution but emphasized the importance of continuing the case swiftly in the interest of justice. Regarding Barrie’s health, the magistrate deferred to the correctional services, stating that they were better positioned to assess his condition. Pending further medical reports, the court refused to grant bail and adjourned the matter to October 2, 2024.
The accused are facing a total of 30 charges, including conspiracy, providing funds for the transportation and stockpiling of chemical weapons, the illegal importation of arms manufacturing materials, and the possession of prohibited drugs. The charges stem from allegations that, between October 1, 2023, and July 9, 2024, the accused conspired with others to import bomb-making materials and prohibited drugs into Sierra Leone without lawful authority.
The prosecution alleges that the materials were imported and transported through various locations in Freetown, including the Queen Elizabeth II Quay and Madina Community in Waterloo. Additionally, the accused are charged with aiding and abetting the transportation and possession of both bomb-making materials and prohibited drugs.
As the case progresses, the court will continue to weigh the gravity of the charges against the defendants while considering public interest and legal procedures.