By Abass Jalloh
11 accused persons out of 12 in the matter relating to the detention of popular Sierra Leonean musician, Alhaji Amadu Bah commonly known as LAJ have been sentenced to serve 36 months jail term each after they were found guilty of committing two counts of charges of riotous conduct and disorderly behavior.
Ibrahim Kabba was proven not guilty and discharged.
In his ruling on Monday 27th of June 2022 at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1, Magistrate Mark Ngegba stated that having considered all circumstances regarding sentences, count one (riotous conduct), each convict was sentenced to a jail term of Eighteen months and on count two (disorderly behavior) each convict was sentenced to a jail term of eighteen months. The sentences will run consecutively, according to the Magistrate.
The Magistrate gave a ruling contrary to section 12 of the Public Order Act of 1965 of No. 46 on riotous conduct and disorderly behaviour.
In his reaction before the ruling, Lawyer Y. I. Sesay, who represented the State, asked for the maximum sentence to be given to the accused persons.
The lawyer said the convicts who were charged on two counts having the same punishment in respect of section 12 of the Public Order Act of 1965, could be fined 2 million Leones or to a term of imprisonment for 18 months, adding that each count carries a fine of 2 million Leones or imprisonment of not more than 18 months.
The defence lawyers asked for mercy from the magistrate for the accused persons since they are first-time offenders, breadwinners of their families and students, or be levied with minimal sentences.
They said that having convicted them, they had been reminded of bitter lessons at the Correctional Centre, as “this will change their mindsets”.
Lawyer Madieu Sesay stated that five of the 12 accused persons are first-time offenders and that the magistrate could “even caution and discharge them”.
Lawyer Sesay also mentioned that the 7th and 8th accused persons are husband and wife who have left their 6-month-old baby with no care or attention.
In his justification, Lawyer Sesay said the defence lawyers did not give “any litigating factor” that would warrant the magistrate to question and discharge the accused persons.
“If a group of persons can go there [the OSD Headquarters] and demand for the release of a suspect, then we should be worried. We should be worried because law and order if not addressed we will be living in chaos and anarchy,” lawyer Sesay said.
The 12 accused persons made their third and final appearance on Monday.
They were arrested and detained following LAJ’s arrest and detention on 12 June 2022 on allegations of robbery and violence. They denied all wrongdoings, as they stated to the police that they only went to the OSD headquarters to see LAJ who was already under police custody.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (29/06/22)
