Five military officers who identified themselves as Captain Milton Sam Bangura, Morlai Bai Shebura Kamara, Rtd. Major Alimamy Kamara, Saccoh Kamara, and Rtd. Major Matthew Sorie Kamara made their first appearance before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown and was remanded at the Male Correctional Centre.

The accused were standing trial on two counts charges of conspiracy contrary to law and operating a private security service without valid license contrary to section 31 (8) of the National Security and Central Intelligence Act 2023, Act No.2 of 2023.

According to the charge sheet, the accused on 7th June 2023 at the Freetown Ferry Terminal, Kissy in Freetown, conspired together to commit a crime, to wit, operating a private security without a valid license.

The charge sheet furthered that the accused were found operating a private security service by the name of “EXPANDABLE” without a valid license.

After the charges were read and explained to the accused no plea was taken.

The prosecutor, Chief Superintendent of Police Juan Bull sought for a short adjournment date that the witnesses were absent in court, and promised to proceed on the next adjourned date.

Counsel representing the accused A. Amara made an application for bail on behalf of all the accused citing section 79 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.

Magistrate Marke Ngegba refused the accused bail and were sent to the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown and the matter was adjourned to 4th August 2023 for further hearing.