Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 has issued a stern ruling, ordering the two sureties of former Minister Patricia Laverley to ensure her presence in court at the next adjourned date or face legal consequences.

The ruling came on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, following Laverley’s continued absence from court proceedings.

The former minister is facing two charges: inflicting grievous bodily harm under Section 20 of the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1816 and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. According to the charge sheet, Laverley allegedly assaulted Nabella Farida Tunis on November 12, 2024, at State House in Freetown, with intent to cause grievous harm.

During the hearing, Defense Counsel M.S. Koroma informed the court that Laverley remains absent due to health issues. He emphasized that her sureties were present, demonstrating their commitment to the case.

State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay, however, argued that the court had granted ample time for Laverley to address her health concerns. He described her continued absence as blatant disobedience of a High Court order, amounting to contempt of court. Sesay stressed that any further excuses should not be entertained.

Magistrate Bangura, after hearing both sides, ruled that the sureties must produce Laverley in court on February 5, 2025, warning that failure to do so would result in legal action against them.