The judgment in the criminal case against former main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) Member of Parliament, Mohamed Bangura, will be delivered on 16 June 2023, according to Presiding Magistrate Mark Ngegba of the Pademba Road Court.

Bangura, along with Yabom Sesay, the Chairlady of the APC Tonkolili District, faces charges including assault, intimidation, riotous conduct, obstruction of police work, and using insulting words against police officers.

The announcement came during a court hearing on Wednesday 24 May 2023, where Bangura maintained his innocence.

He argued that he had crossed a police checkpoint in Mathora Village, Tonkolili District, without authorization because the officers at the checkpoint did not provide a reason for its presence. Bangura claimed that the restriction violated his freedom of movement.

Bangura further testified that on 11 June 2022, he was part of an APC campaign entourage for a parliamentaryby-election.

He recounted an encounter with Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Gabriel Tommy at the checkpoint. Bangura stated that he requested permission from AIG Tommy to proceed but was denied.

Later, Bangura claimed that while he was stationary at the checkpoint, his vehicle unexpectedly moved across. He denied giving any instructions to his driver.

The court will now deliberate on the evidence presented and will deliver its judgment on 16 June 2023. The outcome of this case will determine the legal consequences for Bangura and Sesay, as they await the court’s decision.