By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter, D.S.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura of the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 has issued a stern warning to officers of the Freetown City Council (FCC) regarding the necessity of coordinating with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) before conducting any demolition activities.
The warning was delivered during a court session concerning three FCC officers—Sulaiman Bangura, Amid Jalloh, and Hawa Mohamed Bangura—who faced charges of disorderly conduct related to a demolition incident. Due to the absence of Hawa Mohamed Bangura, the charge could not be read to the two officers present. Following a request from Prosecutor ASP Ibrahim Mansaray, Magistrate Kekura granted a bench warrant for the third accused officer.
During the proceedings, Magistrate Kekura inquired whether FCC Inspector Kabba Conteh had secured a court order for the demolition. Conteh admitted he was unaware of any such order but acknowledged that they had sought assistance from the SLP prior to the demolition, which proceeded without waiting for a response from the police.
The Magistrate clarified that any demolition efforts must involve police support, underscoring that the authority of the FCC police is limited. He further stated that had proper protocols been followed, the officers would not be facing charges in court.
As a result of the hearing, the two officers present were remanded in custody, and the case has been adjourned until March 28, 2025, for further proceedings.
For further inquiries, please contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
