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Hassan Marrah, the Headman of John Obey Community, remains at large amidst allegations of orchestrating a violent attack on bailiffs executing a court order to assist the Monneh Williams family in reclaiming 176 acres of land.
The incident occurred on Monday, November 13, 2023, resulting in an intensified search by law enforcement agencies.
Police authorities have confirmed their active pursuit of Marrah, the Councillor, and committee members allegedly involved in the attack. At least 12 suspects have been apprehended to aid ongoing investigations into the violent altercation.
According to family members of the late Monneh Williams, the bailiff officers encountered aggression immediately upon entering the disputed land. Violent attacks reportedly ensued, orchestrated by individuals, including aggressive youths from within and neighboring communities. The assailants allegedly deployed locally-made petrol bombs, stones, bottles, machetes, and knives, posing a severe threat to law enforcement officials’ safety.
In response to the escalating danger, police forces resorted to teargas canisters and warning shots to disperse the attackers and reinstate order in the area.
Multiple court rulings and affirmations from the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning have consistently recognized the Monneh Williams family as the rightful owners of the disputed land. The High Court of Sierra Leone (Land & Property Division) issued a decisive ruling on October 18, 2019, in favor of the family, mandating the recovery of possession, damages for trespass, and an injunction against further encroachments.
Moreover, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning reaffirmed the High Court’s decree in a letter dated August 28, 2023, officially acknowledging Marie Kargbo as the rightful claimant to the property at John Obey.
