Sierra Leone: Magistrate orders Bench Warrant on absent accused and surety

Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Court No. 1 on Pademba Road has on Friday 22nd January 2021 ordered a bench warrant on one Hassan Bendu, who had previously been admitted to bail, and  his surety for not attending court proceedings in the matter for which the accused is charged.

Bendu is charged to court for allegedly extracting sand without a valid Environmental Impact Assessment License in a Natural Protected Area contrary to section 23 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act No.11 of 2008.

Police are arguing that the accused on 5th September 2020, at Banga Farm Emergency Goderich Freetown, was found removing sand from a prohibited area.

Police prosecutor sergeant 9155 applied for bench warrant to be issued on both the accused, Hassan Bendu, and his surety, Ansumana Kenneh both of whom had resided at No 14 First Street Banga Farm  Goderich, Freetown.

Magistrate Ngegba acceded to the prosecutor’s request and signed a bench warrant for both of them before he adjourned the matter to 2nd February 2020.

By Isabella Cassell

25/01/2021. ISSUE NO: 7987