By Mohamed Foday Conteh
Justice Samuel Omodele Taylor yesterday granted a 100 million Leone bail to Politician Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray who is being tried in court for alleged sexual penetration of a school girl. The Alliance Democratic Party (ADP) leader was docked at the Sexual Offences Model Court in Freetown last year, accused of having abused the 15-year-old girl on separate occasions in Kono and Freetown.
Justice Taylor ordered that the bail be accompanied with two sureties who should be property owners in the Western Area.
The bail application was made by Kamarainba’s lawyer Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, who assured the judge that the ADP leader and a woman second accused in the same matter Marion Arouni will avail themselves at subsequent proceedings if given bail. He said the first accused being a politician is looking forward to seeing the conclusion of the matter.
State Prosecutor Umu Sumaray did not oppose to bail but however expressed frustration over the snail pace of the matter on the side of the defence. She said although she had not objected to bail the judge should note that the matter had dragged on for far too long.
Justice Taylor ordered Kamarainba to avail himself to the Master and Registrar of the High Court thrice a week and sign a special register there. The judge instructed that he tenders all travelling documents to the court.
The Appeal Court Judge also granted the same bail condition to the second accused Arouni, the only exception being she presents herself twice a week to the Master and Registrar of the High Court.
It was rumoured over the weekend that Kamarainba had died in prison but that was immediately squashed by authorities at the Correctional Service. In court yesterday, the 2018 Presidential candidate appeared disheveled with a thick blanket draped on his shoulders. Justice Taylor after admonishing counsels both accused persons about the seriousness of the matter, adjourned it for Tuesday the 14th September 2021 with at least two defence witnesses set to testify.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online (08/09/21)
