By Sahr Eric George
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Twelve commercial bike riders find themselves in custody, remanded to prison for their alleged involvement in riotous conduct at the Ministry of Labour in Freetown.
Among the detained riders are Sajoh Jalloh, Abubakar Mansaray, and Alie Daddy Mansaray, who appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 facing four counts, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, riotous conduct, and disorderly behaviour.
According to police reports, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Ministry of Labour office in New England Ville, Freetown, the accused assaulted Patrick Batilo Kpaka and Abdul Aziz, causing them actual bodily harm. They also engaged in riotous and disorderly behaviour, hurling missiles at Patrick Gbatilo Kpaka, Abdul Aziz, Mustapha, and police personnel from the Central division.
All accused persons pleaded not guilty after the charges were read and explained to them.
The prosecution led by Sergeant Momo Lahai presented Patrick Gbatilo Kpaka, the regional General Secretary of the Bike Riders Association, as the first witness. Kpaka recounted receiving a letter from Minister of Labour Mohamed Rahman Swaray, inviting their association for a peace dialogue regarding an ongoing election dispute. He detailed the events of the day, including a confrontation with one of the accused inside the minister’s office, which escalated into violence involving a liquid substance sprayed at one of his associates, stones thrown at him, and subsequent arrests by the police.
Cross-examined by Kemokai, the defence counsel for the accused, Kpaka maintained his account of events.
Despite a renewed bail application by Kamara, representing the accused, Magistrate Sahr Kekura refused bail and ordered the accused to be remanded at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown.
The case was adjourned to May 3, 2024, for further proceedings. SEG/2/5/2024