By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, March 25, 2025—The Metropolitan Police of the Freetown City Council have brought charges against three individuals—Sulaiman Bangura, Amidu Jalloh, and Hawa Mohamed Bangura—for allegedly engaging in disorderly behavior during a demolition exercise. The accused appeared before Principal Magistrate Shar Kekura at the Freetown Magistrate Court No.1, where Bangura and Jalloh were remanded in custody, while Mohamed Bangura was absent.
At the court hearing, the charges were not read or explained due to the absence of Hawa Mohamed Bangura. Consequently, the prosecutor, ASP Ibrahim Mansaray, applied for a bench warrant to apprehend her for failing to appear in court—a request that Magistrate Kekura granted.
The prosecution’s first witness, Inspector Kabba Conteh, testified that while carrying out their demolition duties, the Metropolitan Police received an order from the council but did not secure a formal court order. Conteh further revealed that a letter had been sent to the Sierra Leone Police requesting their assistance, but the demolition proceeded without waiting for the police’s response.
Magistrate Kekura admonished the Metropolitan Police for bypassing proper procedures. He emphasized that, under the law, police officers must accompany any demolition exercise to ensure compliance and maintain order. He clarified that while the Metropolitan Police have limited authority as a council force, their operations should always involve the Sierra Leone Police for legality and protection.
“Whether or not the Freetown City Council issued a mandate, the Sierra Leone Police must be present whenever demolitions are carried out,” Magistrate Kekura stated. He further noted that adherence to legal protocols would have minimized challenges, including the confrontation with the accused individuals.
Magistrate Kekura also advised that armed police personnel should accompany such operations to provide protection, underscoring the importance of following the rule of law. After addressing these concerns, the magistrate remanded the accused in custody.
The case is scheduled to resume on March 28, 2025, when proceedings are expected to commence.