By Saio Marrah
Sierra Leone’s former President, Ernest Bai Koroma, the subject of an ongoing Preliminary Investigation (PI) over alleged treason, misprison of treason and two counts of harbouring, has been granted bail for him to get medical care out of the country.
The Presiding Magistrate, Santigie Bangura granted bail at the Pademba Road court No.2 in Freetown on Wednesday 17th January 2024, after a medical report of the former president was presented by lead Defence Lawyer, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara.
After reading the medical report and a High Court order served by the defence, Magistrate Bangura told the court that he had read the said report and taken judicial notice of the High Court orders.
After listening to both defence and state prosecution’s submissions on the timeframe that should be given to the accused to seek medical care out of the country, he granted Koroma bail and adjourned the matter to 6th March this year.
He also called on both the prosecution and defence to be cooperative for a smooth and speedy investigation of the case.
Bangura also called on the public including journalists to be mindful of what information they send out to the public in respect of the case, pointing out that he would not hesitate to hold anyone accountable for contempt of court.
The magistrate was responding to concerns raised by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, who alleged that lead defence lawyer Kamara was on Television discussing issues regarding the case, which he ought not to have done.
Before the magistrate approved the bail, the defence presented the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the former president’s political party, All People’s Congress, Minkailu Mansaray and Foday Yansaneh (PhD) respectively as the two sureties.
Lawyer Kamara also assured the court that his client will not use the bail as an opportunity not to avail himself before the court at the subsequent hearing.
The lead defence further assured that the former head of state has always been cooperative during investigations by the police while pointing out that he had always presented himself to police when summoned.
In his response to the allegation put forward by Tarawalley, Kamara told the court that the law gave unfettered right to freedom of expression so the prosecution should not stop anyone from exercising their freedom of expression.
He also reminded the court that the accused should be presumed innocent, as the allegation has not been proven.
The state lead prosecutor, Ahmed J.M. Bockarie informed the court that they are ready to proceed with the case, pointing out that they have their witnesses ready against the next date.
A publication by the judiciary communication unit indicated that the former president would seek medical care in Nigeria.
It will be recalled that in the early hours of Sunday 26th November 2023, an Army armoury at the Wilberforce Barracks was breached by unknown gunmen, which subsequently led to sporadic attacks on key security installations across the capital Freetown.
The incident also led to the freeing of inmates at the two main correctional centres and police cells across Freetown.
18 security personnel on the government side lost their lives, while three of the attackers were killed. The November 26th attack was later described by authorities as an attempted failed coup.
Ernest Bai Koroma served two terms as President of Sierra Leone after winning the 2007 and 2012 general elections. He relinquished power in
April 2018 after President Julius Maada Bio defeated his party’s Candidate, Samura Kamara in that election.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (18/01/24)
