By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Momoh Fofanah, a 33-year-old operator, was remanded by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Fofanah is accused of transporting explosive chemical weapons from Bo town to Liberia without lawful authority.
During his first court appearance, Fofanah faced two charges: providing funds for the transportation of chemical weapons, contrary to section 28(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Financing Terrorism and Financing the Proliferation Act No.4 of 2024, and possession of arms without a license, contrary to section 22(1) of the Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition Act No.24 of 2002.
According to the particulars of the offense, on October 22, 2024, in Gendema Town, Southern Region, Sierra Leone, Fofanah allegedly provided funds for the transportation of 96 pieces of explosive substance Mowk Maxtrac from Bo town to Liberia without lawful authority. Additionally, on the same date and place, he was found in possession of the explosive substances without a license.
When the charges were read and explained to Fofanah, he did not enter a plea, and no legal representation was made on his behalf. The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ibrahim S. Mansaray, requested a short adjournment to call his witnesses.
Magistrate Kekura refused bail and ordered Fofanah to be remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown. The matter has been adjourned to January 13, 2025, for further proceedings.