In a high-profile case that has drawn significant public attention, two Lebanese nationals, Hussein Antar and Jamal Antar, have been remanded in custody on allegations of importing bomb-making materials into Sierra Leone.

The duo, along with a Sierra Leonean co-accused, Sulaiman Barrie, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

The three individuals face a total of thirty charges, ranging from conspiracy to the illegal importation and possession of arms manufacturing materials, aiding and abetting the commission of a crime, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The charges also include providing funds for the transportation and stockpiling of chemical weapons without proper licensing.

According to the prosecution, the accused conspired between October 2023 and July 2024 to illegally import bomb-making materials into Sierra Leone.

The charge sheet reveals that 65-year-old businessman Hussein Antar and his unemployed co-defendant Jamal Antar, also 65, allegedly financed the unlawful transportation of these materials.

The prosecution further alleges that these materials were moved from the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown to a house in the Madina community, Waterloo.

In addition to the accusations of arms manufacturing, the prosecution has also charged the defendants with importing prohibited drugs without lawful authority during the same period.

The case took a dramatic turn when the third defendant, Sulaiman Barrie, 25, collapsed in the courtroom due to illness, prompting an emotional reaction from his mother present in court.

Legal representatives for both the state and the defense were present during the proceedings. Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq. is leading the prosecution on behalf of the state, while Daniel Koroma Esq. is defending the accused.

Despite pleas from the defense, bail was denied, and all three individuals were remanded in custody as the case was adjourned for further hearing.