Reality TV star Hawa Madiana Hunt appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura in Court No. 2 yesterday, as her defence team filed a “no-case” motion against allegations of insulting President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio.

The case, which has drawn significant public attention, involves two charges of sending insulting messages via a computer system, allegedly posted on Facebook between April 1 and April 30, 2024. The prosecution claims the posts caused public unrest and defamed the President and First Lady.

The defence, led by Lawyer Rashid Dumbuya, argued the case should be dismissed on multiple grounds, including procedural irregularities and insufficient evidence. Dumbuya accused the prosecution of misusing the legal process. “This case is not about insults alone; it is a blatant disregard for due process,” he stated.

Dumbuya also challenged the jurisdiction of the court, arguing that the matter should have originated in the High Court, which has the proper jurisdiction for such cases. Additionally, he pointed to alleged errors in the indictment, including a claim that the charges referred to “sending insulting messages,” which he said does not constitute an offence under the Cyber Security and Crime Act.

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State Counsel Yusif Isaac Sesay defended the charges, stating that the case followed proper legal procedures. He emphasized that the accused herself confessed to creating and sharing the offending video. Sesay rejected claims of jurisdictional errors, noting that preliminary investigations are an established pathway to escalate cases to the High Court.

After hearing both arguments, Magistrate Bangura withdrew the court file to deliberate on whether to dismiss the case or forward it to the High Court. Hunt was remanded in custody, with the matter adjourned to Wednesday, January 22, 2025, when the ruling will be delivered.