Honourable Justice Tonia Barnett of the Court of Appeal, on Thursday, 27th February 2025, ordered the remand in custody of five individuals charged with migrant smuggling and other serious related offenses.

According to report, the accused include Benson Edward Kamara, a network marketer, Nuru Deen Bangapoma Bangura, a businessman, Sheik Ibrahim Bangapoma Bangura, an imam, Fuad Ibrahim Kuyateh, a teacher, and Tiangay Amara, a QNet network marketer.

The group faces serious accusations related to migrant smuggling activities. Notably, Nuru Deen and his brother Sheik Ibrahim were charged with two counts of conspiracy and one count of migrant smuggling under section 20 (1) of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2022.

The prosecution, led by A. Jalloh, claims that between the 1st September, 2023, and the 30th April, 2024, the brothers conspired with others to facilitate the illicit activities in Freetown.

Related News

Additionally, Nuru Deen was alleged to have accepted financial rewards from Nyuma Lamin Tengbeh between the 5th September, 2023, and the 25th April, 2024, for aiding Tengbeh’s illegal travel to the United States.

Reports further revealed that Benson Edward Kamara faces separate charges of conspiracy and migrant smuggling, and also accused of taking money from Hassan Mansaray between the 5th December, 2023, and the 25th May, 2024, to help Mansaray and Samuel Johnnes Saidu travel illegally to Ivory Coast.

Further reports stated that Fuad Ibrahim Kuyateh stands charged with conspiracy and two counts of migrant smuggling, while Tiangay Amara faced similar charges alongside a staggering seven counts of migrant smuggling.

Notably, a 27 year old businessman, Santigie Bangura, and a 29 year old student, Chernor Alusine Jalloh, who currently remain on bail, were jointly charged with conspiracy and migrant smuggling; they were not present in court. Justice Barnett directed the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) to have them prepared for the next hearing.

At the beginning of the trial, the prosecution requested a “trial by Judge alone,” which Justice Barnett approved under section 144(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965, and its 1981 amendment. All accused received legal representation from Lawyer Cecilia Tucker of the Legal Aid Board.

With all defendants in custody, the court has set the next hearing for 3rd March, 2025. The serious nature of the allegations underscores the ongoing fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Sierra Leone.