By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The Regional media officer East attached to the Community Relations Department (CRD) of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Inspector Prince Bernard Jaygboi Kamara has updated journalists in Kenema in connection with the matter involving popular musician Alhaji Amadu Bah, stage name LAJ and the Mayor of Kenema City, Thomas Karim Baio.
LAJ was reported for alleged larceny, riotous conduct, assault on the mayor and police officers in performing their constitutional duties.
While updating the press on the 8th May, 2024, Inspector Kamara told press men that LAJ was involved in an altercation with the police at Wandajama checkpoint and with the mayor of Kenema municipality on the 5th May, 2024.
He said they currently have 7 suspects under custody; 4 civilians and 3 serving police officers that allegedly were involved in riotous conduct on that day.
He noted that police are gathering sufficient evidence to continue with investigations for the matter to be charged to court. He said the matter has been reported to the State Counsel and Customary Law Officer and they are waiting for legal advice.
The Eastern Region Police Media Officer explained to press men that the lead suspect, LAJ, started making statements to the Police at the initial stage of his arrest but later refused to continue his statement until his lawyer was present. The Police granted permission for his lawyer to present and he arrived on the 8th May 2024 and has now completed his statement.
He stated that the police have no intention for the suspects to be under police custody after 72 hours but refusal by the lead suspect to cooperate with the officers caused the delay. He said that officers at the regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) are working assiduously to ensure that things are done within the time limit considering the rights of the suspects.
Inspector Kamara emphasized that the police want to do a professional job on the matter that will erase any doubt against them, so that justice will prevail. He added that the Police are not under any threat or harassment to transfer the matter to Freetown.
He assured that the matter will be made known to the general public after they have completed the investigations.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (13/05/24)
