By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter
Pastor Ruth Jattu Turay, 43, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at the Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on two counts: trespass, contrary to Section 15(1)(a) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, and malicious damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861.
The charges stem from an incident on January 17, 2025, at No. 1 Jay’s Mongegba Village along the Grafton-Freetown highway. The prosecution alleges that Pastor Turay entered the land of complainant Mabinty Bangura, acting on behalf of the Christ Embassy Church, despite being instructed not to do so. Additionally, it is claimed that she maliciously damaged a building used as a church, valued at 90,000 Leones (NLe90,000.00), which belongs to the Christ Embassy Church.
Inspector I.S. Mansaray presented witness testimony from Mabinty Bangura, a social security officer. Bangura recounted her introduction to Pastor Turay through her contractor, Ibrahim Lebbie, in March 2024. At that time, her Pastor, Cynthia, had asked her to find a location for church services. Bangura stated that Lebbie took her to the accused, who showed them a plot of land near her own residence.
She explained that they intended to rent the property for church activities, and Pastor Turay initially agreed not to charge them any fees. However, Bangura noted that the small portion of land was for sale at 120,000 Leones, but their Pastor negotiated a price of 90,000 Leones.
On January 17, 2025, Bangura received a call informing her that the building was being demolished. When she arrived at the site, she discovered that the roof and ceiling had been removed. Encouraged by her Pastor, she reported the incident to the police.
Bail was denied due to the seriousness of the charges, and the case has been adjourned to April 30, 2025.
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