By Francis H. Murray
Justice Ivan Ansumana Sesay has struck down a two count indictment of larceny in a dwelling house and larceny by servant against one Rhanda Skaikay, citing what he called defective indictment.
The ruling, last Thursday, came after defense lawyer Mohamed Pa-Momoh Fofanah filed an application dated 14th July, 2020, challenging the court’s jurisdiction on the grounds upheld by the judge.
The prosecution had alleged that Skaikay on diverse dates between the 25th August and the 7th September 2018, at No. 30 Bintumani Drive in Aberdeen, Freetown, stole 500, 000 USD dollars equivalent to four billion five hundred million leones from the complainant, Ali Abess, being her employer at that time.
At the time the charges were put to the accused person, Lawyer Fofanah informed the trial judge that there was a pending originating proceedings before the High Court presided over by Appeal Court Judge, Justice Komba Kamanda, in which the committal proceedings that brought the matter to the High Court was being challenged based on the indictments drawn up.
He had also asked Justice Sesay to hold on the matter pending orders and directives from Justice Komba Kamanda.
The accused had also pleaded not guilty to both counts and was on bail.
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