By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone — In a landmark decision on Wednesday, March 4, 2025, Appeal Court Judge Tonia Barnett discharged Hawa Madina Hunt, who had been brought to court on charges of cybercrime against First Lady Fatima Bio and President Julius Maada Bio.
Judge Barnett also ordered that Hunt’s Canadian and Sierra Leonean passports be returned to her.
Hunt faced two charges under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021, Act No. 7 of 2021, for allegedly sending insulting messages via a computer system. The indictment stated that Hunt, between April 1 and April 30, 2024, used her Facebook account to post derogatory messages aimed at the First Lady and the President, intending to damage their reputations and provoke public apprehension.
When the charges were read, Hunt pleaded not guilty. Lead prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay informed the court that the prosecution wished to offer no further evidence against Hunt, prompting a request for her discharge.
Sesay explained that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Osman Kanu, had invoked section 66(4) paragraph C of the Sierra Leone constitution, which grants the DPP the power to discontinue a case at any stage before a judgment is rendered. Consequently, the prosecution sought the discontinuation and discharge of the matter.
Defense counsel Rashid Dumbuya expressed gratitude to the DPP and the Attorney General’s office for discontinuing the case. He requested that the judge order the return of Hunt’s passports, which were held at the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters.
Judge Barnett noted that the matter had not been fully heard, as it was Hunt’s first court appearance. She clarified that while the court could discharge Hunt, it could not acquit her, as the case had not been heard in full. The judge emphasized that the discharge did not bar the possibility of future proceedings.
After considering submissions from both sides, Judge Barnett discharged Hunt and ordered the return of her Canadian and Sierra Leonean passports.
This decision marks a significant development in Sierra Leone’s legal landscape, highlighting the judicial system’s responsiveness to constitutional provisions and the rights of the accused.