By Fatima Kpaka
On Wednesday, 11th September 2024, Ibrahim Bashiru Kamara, CEO of JTK Company, testified in the Pademba Road Court No. 2, presided over by Magistrate Santigie Bangura, in a case involving two Lebanese nationals and a Sierra Leonean accused of illegally importing bomb-making materials. Kamara’s testimony was part of the ongoing trial, where the accused face multiple charges related to the illegal importation of arms manufacturing materials and prohibited drugs.
Led by state counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesa, Kamara outlined his role as a clearing agent. He explained that his duties involve receiving bills of lading and overseeing the clearing of goods, which are then handed over to government authorities for inspection before being delivered to the owner. Kamara clarified the roles of the shipper (the sender of the goods) and the importer (the recipient).
Recalling the events between October 2023 and July 2024, Kamara testified that in early October, he was contacted by his longtime friend, Samuel Marrah, who worked for Infinix Company on Wilkinson Road. Marrah informed Kamara that he had a client, the first accused, Hussein Antar, who wanted to clear some consignments and requested that the shipment be processed under JTK Company’s name. Initially hesitant due to his workload, Kamara eventually agreed because of his longstanding relationship with Marrah.
Kamara testified that Marrah provided him with a draft bill of lading and an invoice through WhatsApp, which allowed him to begin the clearing process. The total cost for the clearance was 300,000 New Leones. The consignments, which arrived in November 2023 aboard a Maxline vessel, included three 40-foot containers and one 20-foot container. After receiving 270,000 New Leones from Marrah, Kamara began the clearing process and instructed his staff, Mohamed Kabia, to pay the duty fees. The goods were delivered to Bah Drive, 3 Mile, Waterloo, as directed by Marrah.
During cross-examination by defense lawyer J.M. Jengo, Kamara reiterated the details of his involvement in the clearing process. The testimony revealed that all accused were remanded in custody at the Male Correctional Center, with the case adjourned to 17 September 2024 for further proceedings.
The accused face 30 charges, including conspiracy, importing arms manufacturing materials without a valid license, possession of such materials, and the illegal transportation of chemical weapons. Police allege that between 1 October 2023 and 9 July 2024, the accused—Hussein Antar, Jamal Antar, and Sulaiman Barrie—conspired to provide funds for the transportation of bomb-making materials without lawful authority.
Additional charges accuse the accused of importing prohibited drugs without a valid license and stockpiling these drugs alongside arms manufacturing materials. The indictment claims that the materials were unlawfully transported from the Queen Elizabeth II Quay to a house in Waterloo and to another location at 93 Smart Farm, Off-Wilkinson Road, Freetown.
The case continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies related to these serious allegations, which include attempts to pervert the course of justice by fabricating evidence.