By Saio Marrah
Alpha Sheriff, commonly known as APC sheriff, the first accused in a trial for alleged illegal possession of small arms and other related offences, has appeared before Justice Adrian Fisher along with co-accused Alhaji Saidu Fofana.
Nine persons were originally committed to the High Court for trial but Correctional Service officers told the court on Tuesday 27th February 2024, that the other accused persons were among those who escaped from detention following the November 26th 2023 prison break. The court was told that records were burnt down and scattered as the prisoners escaped and that a supplementary warrant has been provided at the High Court for the two accused persons who were returned to the Correctional Center.
Justice Fisher however summoned the head of the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown to give a proper explanation as to the whereabouts of the rest of the accused persons on next adjourned date, Tuesday 5th March 2024.
The judge further told the court that he would make a ruling on an application on whether the two accused in court could be tried separately from the seven that are on the run. He reached this position after defence lawyers argued that the continued absence of the rest of the accused persons has prejudiced the trial of the other two accused persons.
The application was opposed by the state on the ground that the other accused person might be brought back during the course of the trial.
While Alpha Sheriff is separately charged with illegal possession of small arms, he together with the rest of the eight accused persons were indicted on illegal operation of private security service, and having control of small arms.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (04/03/24)
