Alhaji Mohamed Kamara, a former military officer, has been arraigned before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 for allegedly making inciting statements that threaten the peace and security of Sierra Leone.

The accused appeared in court on a single charge of incitement contrary to Sierra Leonean law. According to the prosecution, Kamara is accused of making inflammatory remarks on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Freetown.

The statements allegedly included claims that the Maada Bio-led government had killed individuals detained at the Freetown Correctional Center during the August 10, 2023 protests and assertions that President Bio did not legitimately win the June 24, 2023 election.

Kamara reportedly added that if President Bio did not relinquish power, steps would be taken to overthrow him.

Kamara pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read in court. However, he remained unrepresented by legal counsel during the proceedings, and no bail application was made on his behalf.

The police prosecutor, Detective Superintendent Sorie Conteh, requested an adjournment, citing the absence of key witnesses.

Following the prosecutor’s submission, Magistrate Bangura ordered that the accused be remanded in custody at the Pademba Road Correctional Center. The case has been adjourned to November 19, 2024, for further hearing.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns over public discourse and its potential impact on Sierra Leone’s peace and stability.

The court proceedings are expected to shed further light on the allegations and their implications for national security.