Bench Warrant Issued for Military Officer and Girlfriend After Failing to Appear in Court Over Assault Charges

Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 has issued a Bench Warrant for the arrest of Major Sulaiman Denise, a military officer attached to the Ministry of Defense, and his girlfriend, Isata Bella Jalloh, after they failed to appear in court on Monday, 7th April, 2025.

The two are facing multiple charges in relation to an assault incident in Aberdeen, Freetown, last year.

Both Denise and Jalloh are charged with four counts, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, wounding, threatening language, and attempting to choke. These charges arise from an alleged incident on 12th November, 2024, when they are accused of physically assaulting Isatu Deen Bangura in a public setting in Aberdeen. The victim reportedly suffered injuries to her right jaw and had one of her upper teeth broken.

The charges also include an incident where Denise is accused of maliciously wounding Aminata Mansaray and threatening her with the words, “Ar go teach una lesson una wait small and ar go even pepper una,” which were allegedly intended to provoke a public disturbance. Furthermore, Denise is accused of choking Mansaray in an attempt to render her incapable of resistance.

At Monday’s court session, the complainant’s lawyer, S.R. Bangura, confirmed that both Denise and Jalloh were aware of the court date but chose not to appear. Despite being served with court summons, they were absent when the case was called. Lawyer Bangura applied for a Bench Warrant, requesting their arrest to ensure they attend the next court session on 24th April 2025.