It was a dramatic scene yesterday as Magistrate Komba Kamanda of court No. 2 grants the application made by lawyer Gerald J. Soyei to move the court to the Criminal Investigation Department CID headquarter at Pa Demba Road.
The purpose of the move was for the prosecuting witnesses to indentify the Jeep in question that was said to have been used for the allege kidnapping of Mohamed Koroma at Moyamba Junction.
The four accused persons Mohamed Kanu-Mansaray, Gibrilla Conteh, Baimaru Conteh and Hindolo Moseray were escorted by police and prison officers to the CID, whiles Magistrate Komba Kamanda, prosecuting lawyer, Defense counsels, prosecuting witnesses and journalists all went to the CID headquarter to witness the process
All three prosecuting witnesses Mohamed Koroma, Abass Koroma 1 and Abass Koroma 2 indentified the jeep in question at the CID headquarter after taking oath to say the truth as they were led in evidence by Lawyer Gerald J. Soyei
The vehicle in question as identified by the witnesses is a green four runner jeep with registration No. AFQ 968.
During cross examination by lawyer Esmond Gakwie, Mohamed Koroma PW1 admitted that the Jeep has five doors, whilst Abass Koroma PW2 stated that during the time of the incident he cannot recognize the registration number of the jeep since it was a night time adding that he can only see and memorize the number now, whilst Abass Koroma II admitted that he was not around when the victim was being put inside the vehicle and as a result he cannot tell the vehicle he was put in.
Back in the court room, lawyer Soyei stated that he has no objection to bail
Lawyer Esmond Gakwie stated that notwithstanding the statement made by Lawyer Soyei, they will still go ahead and make their application for the accused persons to be put on bail as they have been in custody since January 27 this year. He added that he the accused persons will be in safe conduct and promise to keep the peace as they have credible sureties who will make sure that the accused persons are present at all time need by the court.
Magistrate Komba Kamanda stated that he will definitely grant bail to the accused persons as the prosecution did not object to bail, but however, he must warn that the accused persons maintain peace and be calm. According to the Magistrate, he is saying this simple because of the last time when he granted bail to Aziz Carew he heard about a great celebration which threatened the peace of society, s a result the accused should work within the law.
“Bail is granted to the accused persons for the sum of Le 100m (One hundred million Leones) each, one surety in like sum. Surety should be a resident in the Western Area and bail to be approved by the Consultant Master and Register.
The matter comes up March 16th this year.
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