Six Arraigned Over Alleged Riot and Property Damage in Freetown

Six individuals have appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing multiple charges including riotous conduct, incitement, and malicious damage to property following an alleged disturbance in the Regent community.

The accused-Jags Kakay, Abdulia Kargbo, Sakceleb Suluku, Alpha Seray, Tejan Magao, and Osman Kamara-are alleged to have been involved in an incident that occurred on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at No. 2 Yusifu Drive, Vai S.S. Camp in Regent, within the Mountain Rural District of the Western Area.

According to the prosecution, the defendants conspired with others yet to be identified to engage in riotous behavior, an offence contrary to Section 12(1) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965 (as amended). They are further accused of inciting others and causing damage to properties belonging to Genevieve Caulker and Alberta Brewah.

The prosecution detailed that the alleged damage included a mobile phone valued at Le 6,000, an iPhone 8 also valued at Le 6,000, and an Apple iPad worth Le 3,500-bringing the total estimated loss to Le 15,500.

When the charges were read in court, all six accused persons pleaded not guilty.

In her testimony as the first prosecution witness, businesswoman Genevieve Caulker told the court that she recognized all six defendants. She identified the first accused as her landlady and alleged that the incident began when the landlady confronted her at her residence, threatening her and her sister, Elizabeth.

Caulker further claimed that the first accused summoned others to the scene, after which the remaining defendants allegedly arrived, calling out their names while using abusive and aggressive language.

Defence counsel, S.I. Koroma Esq., applied for bail on behalf of the accused, arguing that they are residents of Sierra Leone with reliable sureties willing to stand on their behalf. The application was made under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.

Magistrate Fornah granted bail to all six accused in the sum of Le 10,000 each, with sureties in like amount. The court ordered that sureties must reside within Freetown, have fixed addresses, and present valid identification confirming their residence.

The matter has been adjourned to April 8, 2026, for further hearing as proceedings continue.