Pastor Fatoma Tommy Jusu, a 38-year-old proprietor, made his initial court appearance on Wednesday before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown. Jusu faces charges under Section 31(8) of the National Security and Central Intelligence Act, 2023, for operating a private security firm without the necessary licensing.

The prosecution alleges that on July 5, 2024, Jusu was running a private security agency from his office at 59c Leicester Road, Freetown, despite lacking a valid license from the National Security Office. Jusu did not enter a plea when the charges were presented.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh testified as the first witness. He was accompanied by Harold Samson Campbell, head of the Vetty and Protective Security Directorate of the Office of National Security (ONS). Campbell recounted his interactions with Jusu on the date in question, during which he was informed that Jusu’s security firm was operating unlawfully.

Campbell noted that, according to the acting director of Vetty Security, Jusu’s agency was identified as an illegal operation. Campbell further stated that he had instructed Officer Mohamed Bundu of the Integrated Intelligence Service (IIS) to detain Jusu for questioning.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Freetown. During cross-examination by defense counsel Chernor Kamara, the details of the case were scrutinized.

Magistrate Bangura denied Jusu bail and remanded him to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The case is scheduled to resume on August 6, 2024