The Legal Aid Board (LAB) has successfully secured the discharge of 19 accused individuals from High Court proceedings in Freetown, overseen by Acting Chief Justice Nicholas Browne-Marke.

The discharges occurred between October 7 and 21, 2024, and involved various charges, including conspiracy, robbery with aggravation, and shop breaking.

Among those discharged were notable individuals such as Alhassan Bangura, Mohamed Lamin Gobba, and Foday Koroma. Of the 19, three were acquitted, while the remaining 16 were released due to a lack of prosecution.

This recent achievement raises the total number of individuals represented by the Board and discharged at the High Court during the current September Criminal Session to 26.

In a post-discharge briefing, Executive Director Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles urged the released individuals to pursue honest livelihoods and avoid any actions that might lead to further legal trouble.

She highlighted the importance of making responsible choices, citing the example of individuals with disabilities in central Freetown who, despite their challenges, contribute to society through honest work rather than resorting to crime.

Carlton-Hanciles commended Acting Chief Justice Browne-Marke for ensuring a fair and swift judicial process and reiterated the Board’s commitment to providing representation for indigent accused persons in court.

One of the beneficiaries, Alusine Conteh, who faced charges of conspiracy and shop breaking, expressed gratitude for the Board’s assistance and vowed to remain a law-abiding citizen.

In addition to the successes in Freetown, LAB’s resident lawyer for Kono District, Counsel Alpha O. Kamara, recently secured the release of six individuals from the Sesadu Magistrate Court in Koidu City.

The discharged clients included Alusine Sesay, Fengai Gborie, and Aminata Momoh, with charges ranging from threats to kill to other minor offenses.

The Legal Aid Board continues to play a crucial role in ensuring access to justice for marginalized individuals, emphasizing the importance of community support and responsible citizenship among its beneficiaries.