Fatmata Bah, a businesswoman, was on Monday, February 7, 2022 sent to jail for allegedly trafficking 16-year- old Assiatu Bah from Conakry, Guinea to Sierra Leone for the purpose of exploitation.
The accused made her first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No 1 on two counts of Conspiracy to commit Human Trafficking contrary to section 18 of the Anti- Human Trafficking Act 2005, Act No7 of 2005, and Engaging in Trafficking in person contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
According to the police, the accused on diverse dates between December 13, 2021 and December 19, 2021, in Freetown conspired with other persons unknown to traffic Assiatu Bah from Conakry Guinea to Sierra Leone for the purpose of exploitation. The police allege in counts two that the accused on the above-mentioned dates engaged in trafficking in person by the receipt of Assiatu Bah from Conakry Guinea to Sierra Leone by means of deception for the purpose of exploitation. The Prosecutor, Lawyer C. Davis Cole Esq. informed the court that her witness is absent, and therefore could not proceed with the matter. Counsel for accused applied for bail on behalf of the accused, stating that she is a Sierra Leonean ordinarily resident in Freetown with reliable sureties. He added that if his client is put on bail, she will be of good conduct and will not in any way jump bail. His application for bail was made pursuant to section 79 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965. The prosecutor in reply did not opposed to bail on the grounds that the accused was already granted bail by the police.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura refused to admit the accused on bail due to the serious nature of the offence.
By Alimatu Jalloh