High Court Discharged Ten Accused Persons in Makeni Following Implementation of Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity

By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh - Beline Media Empire

The High Court of Sierra Leone, Holden at Makeni, has on today’s date 12^th March 2025 discharged ten accused persons who had been standing trial for conspiracy to commit murder, murder, arson and malicious damage. The ruling, delivered by Justice Abubakar Sannoh, followed an application by State Counsel Joseph A.K. Sesay under Section 66(4)(c) and (5) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991, which empowers the Director of Public Prosecutions to discontinue cases. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Osman T. Kanu, authorized the discontinuation of the matter, and provide no additional evidences to the matter leading to the application of release of the accused persons.

The discharged individuals are Aruna Gibrilla Bangura (Alias Kamalo), Alhaji M. Sesay, Samuel Alhassan Kargbo, Ibrahim Turay (Alias Honey Boy), Saidu Mansaray (Alias Solany), Alimamy Kamara, Alimamy N. Conteh (Alias Sorie N’thembeh Conteh), Ibrahim Sorie Saccoh, Alimamy Conteh, and Abdul Sesay.

The case was discharged in line with Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity, which was a key recommendation from the Tripatite Committee tasked with resolving post-election tensions in Sierra Leone and other related matters. The resolution called for the release of individuals detained on politically motivated charges as part of broader reconciliation efforts between the ruling government and the opposition. The move is seen as part of ongoing efforts to implement the agreement and foster national cohesion.

During the hearing, State Counsel Joseph A.K. Sesay made a submission to the court, stating, "My Lord, in the exercise of the powers vested in the Director of Public Prosecutions under Section 66(4)(c) and (5) of the Constitution of the Republic of Sierra Leone Act No. 6 of 1991, I have been directed to discontinue this matter against the accused persons. Therefore, I respectfully apply that all charges against them be withdrawn, and they be discharged."

Justice Abubakar Sannoh then turned to the Defense Counsel, asking for his response to the State’s application. In reply, the Defense Counsel Boniface Sidikie Kamara representing the accused stated, "My Lord, we welcome the application made by the state and believe it was done in the spirit of national unity and cohesion. We would like to add that while we appreciate the state's commitment to negotiations particularly the agreement for national unity, we also commend their efforts and determination to actualize it. Our gratitude goes to all ten liberated youths of Kamakwie, Karene District. From their faces, I can see they are happy. We also extend our thanks to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, who, by coincidence, was part of this agreement. As the defense, we further express our appreciation to the leadership of the All People's Congress for facilitating these negotiations. In August 2022, when these individuals were arraigned before this court, my colleagues and I in the defense team represented them, firmly believing in their innocence. They have since endured incarceration. In light of this, we fully support the state's application, and no reasonable defense lawyer would object to it."

After hearing both sides, Justice Abubakar Sannoh delivered his ruling: "Having read an instrument dated 11^th March 2025, by which learned Director of Public Prosecutions DPP through the State Counsel representing him here response from the Defense Counsel,  and in the interest of justice,  I find that the application to discontinue this matter is in line with constitutional provisions. As such, I hereby order that all charges against the ten accused persons be dropped. They are now free men, and this court discharges them accordingly."

Following the court’s decision, the newly discharged individuals expressed a mix of relief and frustration over their prolonged detention. One of the discharged men, Aruna Gibrilla Bangura, stated, "I have lost so much—years of my life, my peace of mind. Today, I am free, but who will compensate me for what I have endured? I escaped from Kamakwie Police Station and fled to Makeni after the August 10 riot for my safety. Due to my social commentary songs, a politician in Karene District reported me, and my name and photos were posted online, falsely identifying me as one of the perpetrators of the riot. It feels good to be free. When I gained my freedom, I felt like I was in heaven. My advice to the youth is to stay away from riotous conduct and be law-abiding citizens." Another, Alhaji M. Sesay, added, "One of my friends once asked me to assist him in transporting an officer. About seven miles into the journey, I told him I was running out of fuel. After dropping him off, I went to deliver the officer's phone to a friend, as instructed. However, upon arrival, the police arrested me, accusing me of being part of the riot in Kamakwie. I suffered greatly during my incarceration. I lost both my father and mother, and now, I have nowhere to go. I am pleading for help from anyone who can assist me in rebuilding my life. It is painful to think that we spent all these years in detention for something we did not do. The court has finally cleared us, but the damage has been done."

The Head of Legal Aid Board North East Region Osman B Kamara , who has been providing legal representation for the accused since 2022, also reacted to the court’s decision. "While we are pleased with the discharge of our clients, the justice system should ensure that individuals are not subjected to prolonged legal battles without sufficient evidence and the ruling today reflects to our successes. Throughout the trial from Magistrate Court to High Court, Legal Aid Provide defense for them. We appreciate the implementation of Resolution 4, but justice must be timely and fair at all times, not just when political agreements are in place."

The discharge of the ten accused persons has reignited discussions on judicial delays and political influence in high-profile cases. As Sierra Leone moves forward with its national unity agenda, attention now shifts to ensuring that the legal system serves all citizens fairly, regardless of political dynamics.