By Mohamed Mansaray in Kenema

Eighteen (18) Defendants, Momoh Musa alias Investor, James Ndohboh, Jenneh Senesie, Karim Bockarie, David Alpha, Momoh Kallon, Maada kpulum, Alhaji Kallon, Samuel Yorpoi, Ibrahim Saidu, Momoh Janga, Jusu Baimba, Momoh Kanneh, Alie Sesay alias Jolojolo, Lamin Nabieu, Amara Morie, Daniel Amara alias DJ and Amara Sidie all of Kailahun Town in the Kailahun District have on July 15, 2026 arraigned before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Magistrate Court No.1 in Kenema on Conspiracy and other offences Contrary to Law.

The charges were read to the Defendants by Brima Tomboyeke the Registrar of the court. The 18 Defendants were charged to Court on Fourteen (14) count charges ranging from Conspiracy, Arson, Malicious Damage, House Breaking and Larceny to Incitement.

According to court records, the 18 Defendants on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Kailahun Town, Luawa Chiefdom, Kailahun Judicial District in the Eastern province of Sierra Leone, allegedly Conspired with unknown individuals to commit a felony to wit Arson. The 18 Defendants on the aforementioned date and Venue, at Pendembu Road Police Barracks, Kailahun Town, maliciously set fire on Block 152A property of the Sierra Leone Government (SLG) whilst in the custody of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) with Intent to damage properties. The 18 Defendants on the above date mentioned, maliciously damaged Block 152A and B Pendembu Road Police Barracks in Kailahun Town.

The 18 Defendants allegedly broke and entered a dwelling house of Mohamed Seidena Kanneh and stole items total value of One Hundred and Seven Thousand and Fifty New Leones (NLe 107,50/00) properties of Mohamed Seidena Kanneh. It was also alleged that the Defendants broke and entered a dwelling house of Christian Caulker and stole items total valued of One Hundred New Leones ( NLe 100/00). Defendants are also alleged to have broken and entered the dwelling house of Sheku Brima and stole items total value of Fifty Thousand, Six Hundred and Fourty-five New Leones ( NLe 50,645/00).

Items total value of Three Hundred and Eighty-nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-five New Leones (NLe 389,655/00) properties stolen from Fassay George Augustine Benjamin amongst others. Jeneba Senesie the only female Defendant was alleged to have incited the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th Defendants to commit the offence of Arson, Malicious Damage and House Breaking and Larceny. No plea was taken.

In his ruling, Magistrate Hadiru Daboh haven gone through the pieces of evidence before him and with regards that all the Defendants relied on their statements at the police station, the Magistrate was left with no alternatives but to commit the 18 Defendants to stand trial at the High Court in Kenema. The matter was prosecuted by ASP Sulaiman Kamara Esq. and the Defendants were remanded at the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre (SLCC) in Kenema.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 27th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)