Ex-Military personnel of RSLAF Joseph Sheku Jalloh and six others have been remanded back to prison for alleged rioting and unlawfully possessing arms at Sambaia Bendegu.

The accused were before Magistrate Sahr Mark Ngeba of Pandemba road court No. 1 for nine counts of charges ranging from possession of a small arm without a license, carrying an offensive weapon, threatening language, obstruction, and riotous conduct all contrary to law.

According to the particulars of the offense on Wednesday 8th June 2022 at Sambaia Bendugu, Tonkolili District in the North East of Sierra Leone, the first accused Joseph Sheku Jalloh was found in possession of one small arm to wit short gun without a license.

On count two, the second accused was found carrying offensive weapons with a cutlass and knife.

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Honorable Paramount Chief Alhaji Bamba Foray Jalloh, count seven states that the fourth accused obstructed the Sierra Leone Police when executing their lawful duties, while count nine added that the accused behaved in a riotous manner.

Led in evidence by the state counsel A.G.M Bockarie Esq, while the conclusion of his evidence after he commenced his testimony on the previous appearance, the third prosecution witness (PW3) Chief Inspector of Bendegu Police Post John Lamin produce and tendered a search warrant which they executed during the alleged incident, adding that a single barrel gun was discovered in the premises of the first accused.

The PW3 said he obtained a statement from the first accused on the 9th of June 2022, the 6th and 7th accused were arrested by Robert Salia Kamara and others who alleged that the 6th and 7th accused threatened to burn down the house of Paramount Chief Musa Bamba Foray Jalloh. The PW3 asserted that he was on duty on the 21st of June 2022 at the said police post when Inspector Steven from Magburaka Division arrived and asked him to make a statement which he did.

At this stage, the Lead Defence Counsel J F Kamara Esq intimated to the Bench that he would commence his cross-examination after the prosecution would have serve him certain documents about the evidence of the witness. He however renews his previous bail application, noting that the offenses are bailable and that his clients have been in custody for several months. He made his application under section 79 of the criminal procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.

The learned lawyer assured the Bench that his clients would not jump bail if granted.

Magistrate Ngeba refused bail citing the seriousness of the offenses and that the accused are not residents of Freetown.