Justice Nicholas Browne-Marke yesterday at precisely 8.15pm granted Phillip Lukuley, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration a Le500m bail with specific instruction that he should not travel out of the jurisdiction without the authorized permission of the court.
Other restrictions imposed on him is that he should have one surety who should deposit his/her title deeds to the Consultant Master and Registrar. He should also surrender his own title deeds with the Consultant Master and Registrar before 11am this morning (Friday 4th February). Furthermore he should surrender both his national and ECOWAS passport to the court. He must also report to the Consultant Master and Registrar every Monday Wednesday and Friday
Justice Brown-Marke further ordered the ACC prosecution team led by Lawyer Reginald Fynn to send by electronic mail the indictment to the Consultant master and Registrar and also the lead counsel in the Defence team Lawyer C.F. Edwards and also make available photocopies of all the relevant documents to all parties and the court.
Before Justice Browne-Mark ruling, Prosecutor Reginald Fynn informed the Judge that he would be applying for trial by Judge alone. He also did not oppose bail.
Sitting in court, dressed in a black striped suit with a black and white polka dot tie on a white shirt, Phillip Lukuley pleaded not guilty to the 194 count charges, which was read out for almost three hours by two court clerks.
The matter was adjourned to Monday February 21st.
Lukuley stands accused for misappropriation of public funds contrary to section 35(1), abuse of position contrary to section 43, fraudulent acquisition of public funds, as well as failure to comply with applicable procedures and guidelines relating to management of public funds.
The accused was further indicted for offering an advantage to a public officer, and conspiracy to commit a corrupt act.
By Samuel John
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