Defence counsel, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara in the ongoing preliminary investigation in an alleged disorderly behaviour case involving the Mayor of Freetown City Council Yvonne Aki Sawyer, has on Monday 27th February 2023 disclosed that they intend to subpoena the Minister of Planning and Economic Development to come and testify in court
Lawyer J F. Kamara made this disclosure after their witness who is supposed to have testified in court was absent.
He told the Court that he was surprised by the witness’s absenteeism, adding that the witness had assured him that he was going to come to court.
“We have executed the subpoena to Victor Swaray (witness) but are surprised that he is not in court,” lawyer Kamara told the Bench.
Lawyer Kamara however, told the Bench that if he could not get the Minister of Planning and Economic t Development and Victor Swaray, he will interpose with two other witnesses.
He requested an adjournment to enable him to bring the above-mentioned witnesses to court.
Magistrate Mark Ngegba who is presiding at the Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown reminded lawyer Kamara of their promise to bring their witnesses to court.
He told defense counsel that he will not give the usual one-week adjournment, but rather adjourned the matter to the 1st of March
The Mayor is before the Court on two counts of charges of obstruction of Police duty and disorderly behaviour contrary to law.
Police alleged that on Saturday 17th September 2022 at the Airport Police Division, Port Loko Judicial District, Mayor Yvonne Akie Sawyer obstructed Sergeant Richard Junior Caulker and Corporal 12225 Fanta Fofanah while executing their lawful duties and behave in a disorderly manner.