Alie Jaffal, accused of unlawful possession of firearms, made another court appearance yesterday before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No. 2.

Jaffal faces six charges, including possession of arms without a license and unlawful concealment of weapons, stemming from an incident on April 6, 2024, at the Young Sports Club (YSC) on Wilkinson Road, Freetown.

The indictment accuses Jaffal of possessing a Makarov pistol, a six-caliber 9x19mm pistol, and other small arms without a license. According to Chief Superintendent Mohamed Turay of the Lumley Police Division, Jaffal was seen holding a pistol amidst a commotion involving several Lebanese nationals. Turay testified that he confiscated the weapon and ordered Jaffal’s arrest based on the situation.

Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay called five witnesses, including police officers and ballistic experts, whose testimonies were corroborated by forensic evidence. The ballistic experts presented a report confirming that the gun found on Jaffal had six cartridges and could cause significant harm. Additionally, a video showing Jaffal holding the weapon was displayed in court.

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Despite a “no case” submission by Defense Counsel Adama T. Jabbie, Magistrate Bangura ruled that the evidence presented, including the unlicensed firearm, indicated a strong case against the accused. Citing legal precedents, Magistrate Bangura dismissed the submission, stating that the prosecution had met the burden of proof and committed the case to the High Court for further trial.

Jaffal was granted bail, pending approval by the Master and Registrar of the High Court. The trial will continue at a higher judicial level, where Jaffal will face charges that could lead to serious penalties under the law.