By Mabinty M. Kamara
The Sierra Leone Police are currently investigating an alleged illegal possession of arms and ammunition in Sierra Leone by one Mr. Bamah alleged to be a citizen of the United States of America and ‘Adeyourmi Ogumefo Ademokalay’ an alleged Nigerian national.
According to the Director of Crime Services at the Sierra Leone Police, Commissioner Ibrahim Joseph Lahai, 3 pistols and hundred rounds of firearms were discovered in the luggage of the Bamah on the 7th of June this year upon landing from the US on SN Brussels at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi.
He said the suspect claimed to own a security company in the country dubbed Flex Security Company for which he was bringing in the weapons.
Questioned on the 9 of June this year in the presence of journalists at the Sierra Leone Police Press conference as to whether he has a permit for the weapons, Bamah admitted not having a permit.
The Director of Crime Services Ibrahim Joseph Lahai said they will continue with their investigations on the issue.
Politico contacted the US Embassy in Freetown for a reaction to the situation but the media and Communication team said they do not have any information to share at the time of press, on the issue.
Explaining the processes of bringing arms and ammunition into the country, the Director of Operations- Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mohamed Brima Jah said that the Small Arms Commission must give a permit in that regard and that when weapons land in the country, their officers at the airport take possession of them from the airport to the commission’s office in Freetown where necessary processes and procedures are followed, before handing the weapons to their owners.
According to the police, the alleged Nigerian was arrested at a checkpoint mounted at Portee in Eastern Freetown around 12 am on the 6th of June this year with a pistol, 15 rounds of ammunition, a dagger, combat fatigues, and dangerous materials in a rickshaw locally known as Keke. The Director of Operations said a further search of the suspect’s residence revealed other harmful materials in his possession.
The police officers also updated the press about an arrest of a group of 9 people led by one Sheriff at the Fallah Checkpoint in Bo after they bulldozed Security checks with an unlicensed vehicle with 10 assorted ID cards, pistol, daggers, pepper spray, and other harmful materials. They are currently helping the police with their investigations.
However, the police assured the public of their preparedness and vigilance in policing the elections in execution of their professional mandate of securing people’s lives and properties in the country.
The Director of Operations said checkpoints will be mounted at various locations across the country. He therefore admonished the public to be tolerant and law-abiding, saying that Sierra Leone is governed by the rule of law and that laws must be respected “or you face the consequences”.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (07/06/23)
