High Court Sessions Begin Notable Criminal Cases Include Treason and Murder

Sierra Leone’s Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Nicholas C. Browne-Marke, today officially commenced proceedings (Call Over) for ninety-four (94) criminal cases at the High Court, marking the opening of the September 2024 High Court Criminal Calendar. This significant event is a vital step in the judicial process, ensuring that cases are addressed promptly and efficiently.

The High Court call-over serves the purpose of taking pleas from all accused individuals committed for trial by Magistrates’ Courts, as well as those whose indictments have been prepared with the written consent of a Judge. If an accused person pleads guilty to any charge, the Presiding Judge proceeds directly to sentencing. For those who plead not guilty, cases are adjourned to specific dates for trial before a Judge assigned to the matter.

The opening ceremony was preceded by a Guard of Honour mounted by the Sierra Leone Police, reflecting the importance of this judicial session.

Among the ninety-four (94) accused persons presented before the court are individuals charged with serious criminal offences, including treason, murder, conspiracy, robbery with aggravation, larceny, house and office breaking, fraudulent conversion, wounding with intent, and unlawful possession of drugs.

Notably, this session’s records indicate that seven (7) cases involving eight (8) accused persons were indicted for murder, alongside eight (8) cases of robbery with aggravation. Additionally, thirty-eight (38) other files with forty-six (46) accused persons have been indicted for various forms of larceny, making it the most prevalent offence this session.

Among the cases heard was that of 49-year-old George Adams, who faces a three-count indictment of treason, misprision of treason, and murder. The State alleges that Adams prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means on an unspecified date between November 11, 2023, and November 26, 2023. The prosecution claims he conspired with unknown accomplices to seize control of key military and governmental facilities, including the 5th Battalion Headquarters at Wilberforce Barracks, the Joint Force Command Headquarters at Cockerill Barracks, and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation Establishment, among others.

During his arraignment, Mr. Adams pleaded not guilty to all three charges and has been remanded in custody until October 1, when he is scheduled to appear before his trial judge.

In other proceedings, 22-year-old plumber Santigie Mansaray pleaded guilty to the charge of housebreaking and larceny, receiving a sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment. Similarly, 23-year-old security guard Yusif Thoelly and 27-year-old laborer Alimamy Bangura both pleaded guilty to charges of office breaking and larceny, and store breaking and larceny, respectively, each being sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

The call-over and assignment of cases to various trial judges will continue tomorrow, as the judiciary strives to ensure justice is served efficiently in Sierra Leone.