During the February High Court Criminal Sessions, Justice Augustine K. Musa presided over 49 accused individuals involved in murder and larceny cases. This took place on the 17th of February 2025 in Koidu Town, Kono District, Eastern Province.

A total of 38 files were brought before the court for review.

The Judiciary has organized this two-week exercise to improve access to justice by bringing Judges to areas where there are no resident High Court Judges. This initiative aims to ensure that justice is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their location.

The Paramount Chief of Gbense Chiefdom, Kono District, Sangor Korgbende Kaimachiandeh, expressed his support for the Court Sessions being held in the district. He sees this as a clear demonstration of the Judiciary’s commitment to enhancing access to justice nationwide, despite the limited number of judges available.

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Following the news that similar sessions have begun in Magburaka town, with Kambia and Pujehun scheduled to start on the 27th of February, PC Kaimachiandeh referenced a recent meeting between Paramount Chiefs in Kono District and the office of the Chief Justice. During this meeting, the Honorable Chief Justice emphasized his vision of making justice more readily available throughout the country.

While PC Kaimachiandeh praised the efforts and dedication of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda to uphold the rule of law and human rights, he urged the Judiciary to expedite the recruitment of additional judges. He emphasized that this is crucial for ensuring access to justice for all individuals.

In his opening statements before the session began, Honorable Justice Musa emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders involved. This includes the Correctional Services, Police, Law Officers, Legal Aid, Jurors, Witnesses, and Complainants. He stressed the need for everyone to take the session seriously and work together to ensure that justice is served within the designated timeframe.

Forty-nine individuals are currently facing charges about 38 separate cases in court. These accused persons are being held accountable for a range of offenses including Murder, Manslaughter, Wounding with Intent, Penetration, Conspiracy, and various forms of Larceny.

Among the individuals initially brought before the court were a diverse group including a 24-year-old Mason named Ibrahim Allieu, a 32-year-old Miner named Abdul Karim Conteh, and several others such as David Sefca, Daniel Kamara, Alie Maculley, Taylor, Sahr Koroma, Ibrahim Yongai, Mohamed Jabbie, Mohamed Bangura, Joseph Ansu Aiah Lebbie, David Ansumana, Emmanuel Smarth, and Tamba Aruna. These individuals all pleaded guilty to various forms of Larceny and their cases have been adjourned for sentencing.

Additionally, a 39-year-old Carpenter named Ibrahim Rogers pleaded guilty to Manslaughter, while Sahr Suma pleaded not guilty to three counts of Murder, Unlawful Possession of Small Arms without a license, and Importation of Arms without a permit. Others such as Osman Sesay, Aiah Kpakiwa, Allieu Juldeh Jalloh, Sahr James, and Abdul Koroma all pleaded guilty to the offense of Penetration upon their arraignment.

The prosecution of these cases is being handled by State Counsel C. F Sesay, with the accused persons being represented by Lawyer A. O. Kamara. The current session is scheduled to conclude on the 1st of March 2025.