The 26th prosecution witness who was a former volunteer at the Human Rights Commission in Bo, Brima Sabu, was on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 led evidence in respect of a robbery matter in Moyamba District involving 16 accused persons.
The 26th Prosecution Witness (PW26) was led in evidence by the State Prosecutor Aruna Jalloh at a criminal trial presided by Justice Monfred Momoh Sesay.
Leading evidence on oath from the witness box, PW26 Brima Sabu told the Court that out of all 16 accused persons he only recognised the 4th, 8th, 11th, and 14th accused persons.
It was at this stage the State Prosecutor Aruna Jalloh sought for an adjournment on the grounds that he did not have conference with the witness who just arrived from Moyamba.
Defense counsel from the Legal Aid Board objected to the State Prosecutor application, but his objection was overruled by the trial Judge.
In his ruling on State Counsel application, Justice Monfred Momoh Sesay said conference with witnesses either for the prosecution or defense is not only lawful but increases Justice, noting that it is the prosecution that is under duty to prove the guilty of the accused persons above all reasonable doubts.
PW25 Detective Police Constable (DPC) 14526 Samuel Bawoh attached to the Moyamba Police Station was also led in evidence in respect of the matter before the court.
Samuel Bawoh recalled that on May 20, 2019, a report of conspiracy and robbery was made by one Jane Lahai, Massah Lahai and nine others who are now complainants before the court.
According to PW25, the matter was assigned to him and Detective Sergeant 11143 Bangura for investigation.
He separately issued medical forms to complainants for treatment at the Moyamba Government hospital.
PW25 continued that a team of Officers headed by Assistant Suprinetendent of Police (ASP) Richard Yambasu assisted by the Moyamba District Chairman and the community youths arrested and brought in all 16 accused persons for the above offences, and with quantity of mobile phones.
The witness said the mobile phones were treated as exhibit which were handed to the exhibit clerk for safe keeping.
The 6th accused person Ansumana Charles, resident of Moyamba, was search by a team of police in the presence of the 6th accused and the Area chief.
“During the cause of the search, PW25 said one old bank identity card bearing the name Ansumana Charles, one old cutlass, two Itel mobile phones, one black laptop, DVD players and four size passport pictures were discovered, “he said.
The same team of officers headed by Sergeant Bangura searched the premises of the 8th accused person, at his St. Joseph Campus resident, and only one steal stainless knife was discovered, and was handed over to the exhibit clerk.
The matter was transferred to the Southern Regional of Bo for further investigation.
The original searched warrant dated 20th May 2019 was produced for identification.
The accused persons were remanded at the Pademba Road Maximum Correctional Center in Freetown.
Justice Monfred Momoh Sesay adjourned the matter to April 12, 2022.
By Alimatu Jalloh