Court Remands 62 Persons Over Pendembu Disturbances
Osman Tolo Sesay Sixty-two people have been remanded in custody in separate cases linked to disturbances in Pendembu on October 16 and 17, 2026, involving a Paramount Chief, according to a report by The Calabash Newspaper.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh at Court No. 1 in the Kenema Judicial District, facing charges of housebreaking and larceny, malicious damage, and riotous conduct.
In the first case, 17 defendants appeared in court on October 20, charged with housebreaking and larceny, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916, and malicious damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861.
According to The Calabash Newspaper, Magistrate Daboh remanded the 17 defendants pending committal proceedings, which will determine whether the case should proceed to the High Court for trial.
The second case involves 45 defendants who appeared before the same magistrate on October 27, charged with riotous conduct under Section 12(1) of the Public Order Act of 1965.
The magistrate also ordered their remand. The report states that the second matter will proceed through summary proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court.
The prosecution is being handled by S.I. Davies and S.I. Watta Bakarr, while S.B.E. Sesay, Esq., represents the defendants in both matters, according to the newspaper.
The cases stem from reported disturbances in Pendembu, although the report did not provide specific details about the alleged property damage, the circumstances of the incidents, or the individual roles of the accused.
The two cases involve separate charges and proceedings. The allegations against each defendant will be considered through the relevant judicial processes.
All 62 defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court of law.