Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No 1 has overruled the application made by the lead defense counsel for Kemoh Sesay, Charles Francis Margai, and ordered for the matter to be related as a preliminary investigation.
According to the Independent Observer Newspaper, Delivering his ruling shortly after the matter was mentioned yesterday, he said upon hearing the application of the defense counsel for the matter to be heard as a preliminary investigation.
The Satellite News reveals that the charge was re-read by the court clerk for the matter to commence.
The accused was charged with two counts charges of cyberstalking and bullying contrary to section 44(2)(b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021.
It was alleged on the charge sheet that sometimes between March and April 2022, through social media Via Whatsapp, in the Port Loko District, Bakeloko Chiefdom, in the Nothern Province of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the accused, Alhaji Kemoh Sesay, former Minister of Transport and Aviation did wilfully and repeatedly communicate directly to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the accused , Alhaji Kemoh Sesay, former Minister of Transport and Aviation did wilfully and repeatedly communicate directly to the president of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio in a manner that he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill-will or needless anxiety, to Retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio or causes such a message to be sent.
He was denied making a plea to the charges.
State Counsel YI Sesay sought the court to leave for a date on behalf of his senior in Chamber, AJM Bockarie who he said was attending to other functions at the High Court.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura adjourned the matter to Wednesday, 25th May 2022 for the state to open its case