High Court Judge presiding over cases in the ongoing Judicial Week, Hon. Justice Augustine K. Musa, has acquitted and discharged 24-year-old Motor Cycle Rider, Mohamed John Kamara alias ‘Pupa’ of conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravation and robbery with aggravation.

It follows a not guilty verdict returned by a twelve member jury as judges of facts in respect of both counts brought forward against the accused.

‘Pupa’ had pleaded not guilty to the allegations upon his arraignment.

According to the particulars of offence, Pupa on diverse dates between 1st day of March 2021 and the 19th day of March 2021 at Freetown in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone conspired together with other persons unknown to commit robbery with aggravation.

He was also alleged to have on the 19th of March 2021, being armed with a gun and machete, robbed one Martha Gborie of seven pairs of men’s shoes, traveling bag, Rolex and Armani Wrist Watches and other items all valued at Twenty Five Million Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones (Le 25,650,000) being property of one Tamba Gborie.

Delivering his judgement upon receipt of the verdict of the Jury, Hon Justice Augustine K. Musa said, “The accused is accordingly acquitted and discharged of both counts.”

Immediately after his release, “Pupa”, a name he was popularly called by his colleague inmates, thanked God Almighty and the Hon. Chief Justice for ensuring that justice is served and seen to be done.

“I never believed that my freedom would happen anytime soon considering the gravity of the offence which was tied around my neck. But God has vindicated me through the intervention of the Chief Justice,” he lamented.

He added that, “for the Chief Justice to take this bold step in bringing justice to this category of people that society had condemned already prove that he is committed to the administration of justice for all.”

While he urged the Government to consider some form of compensation for those who have been detained unjustifiably, Pupa stressed that all he had before his arrest has been lost with nowhere to start.

20-year-old Apprentice, Hassan Junior Sesay was cautioned and discharged of robbery with aggravation and robbery with violence.

He was alleged to have on the 2nd day of May 2019 at Waterloo in the Western Area of Freetown, used personal violence and robbed Ibrahim Kargbo of one driver’s license and one Samsung Mobile Phone and cash all to the total value of One Million Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones (Le1,750,000).The accused who had pleaded not guilty to the allegations, changed his plea before Justice Musa.

Delivering his judgement, Honourable Justice Musa said that considering the fact that the accused had changed his plea, didn’t waste the Court’s time, the number of years spent behind bars, the plea in mitigation by the defence Counsel, “I am of the view that the accused had been reformed for the better which is a cardinal principle in our justice system, “I hereby caution and discharge the accused of both counts.”