In a heavily secured courtroom, twelve individuals, including former police officers and two women, faced arraignment on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No 2. This high-profile case has gained significant attention following the events of November 26, 2023.

Among those arraigned were prominent figures such as Amadu Koita Makalu, Mohamed Jalloh, Sgt. Mohamed Sallue Kamara, Ramatu Kanda Conteh, Alimatu Hassan Bangura, Hassan Leigh, Mohamed Wurrie, Bai Mamoud Bangura, ASP Ibrahim Sesay, Tamba Yamba, Kabba Kamara, and Abdul Sorie Hassan Kamara. They have all been remanded in custody at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre in Freetown.

During the arraignment, a team of seven state prosecutors, led by A. M. Bockarie, faced challenges when Magistrate Santigie Bangura raised concerns about the absence of the eighth accused, Bai Mamoud Bangura. Bockarie informed the court about Mr. Mamoud’s health issues, indicating his hospitalization at the Police Hospital in Kingtom. Consequently, the prosecution requested an adjournment to ensure Mr. Mamoud’s presence in court.

However, Saidu Bangura, representing the third accused, objected, expressing the defence’s lack of information regarding the charges against their client. Magistrate Bangura assured the defence that all accused persons would have their charges read during the next adjourned date.

The proceedings, which lasted approximately twenty minutes, were adjourned to Tuesday, January 9, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in this high-profile legal saga.

The case has drawn significant public interest due to the events surrounding November 26, 2023, with all eyes now on the upcoming court date for further developments in this complex and closely watched trial.