By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown, September 17, 2025 — Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has denied bail to defendants Mohamed Kelleh Mansaray and Saidu Kuyateh, who were arraigned in court on charges of conspiracy to commit migrant smuggling and migrant smuggling. This decision came during the official launch of the 2024 Criminal Procedure Act, marking the commencement of the September Criminal Session.
The two suspects face charges under Section 20(1) of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, No. 12 of 2022. The Chief Justice’s ruling underscores the gravity of the offenses as the judiciary seeks to address human trafficking and related crimes.
In his opening remarks, Chief Justice Kamanda introduced seventy-five criminal cases set for trial at the High Court, which include serious charges such as treason, eight murder cases, and four related to unlawful possession of drugs.
Following the Chief Justice, presiding Judge Honourable Justice Alfred T. Ganda (JA) moved forward with sentencing for ten individuals who pleaded guilty to various offenses. Notable sentences included Robert Moiforay, who received a one-year imprisonment term for larceny, and Abdulia Kemokai, who was sentenced to two and a half years for housebreaking and larceny.
Other sentences included Emmanuel Komba, three years for housebreaking and larceny; Thaimu Bangura, five years for fraudulent conversion and obtaining money by false pretenses; and Ansu Kallon, one year for larceny from the person.
Judge Ganda also sentenced Mohamed Gblato and Kojo Suliaman Janny to two years each for store breaking and larceny, while Hassan Bangura received a similar sentence for fraudulent conversion. Alie Musa Kamara was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay a compensation of one hundred thousand new Leones to the complainant.
The ceremonial proceedings included the assignment of cases to their respective trial judges, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to timely justice.
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