15 Sentenced Over Fish Fraud and Police Assault

Fifteen individuals have been sentenced to 12 months in prison or ordered to pay a Le2,500 fine after pleading guilty to charges involving fraudulent conversion, assault, and obstruction of police officers.

The rulings were handed down by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 following a 13-count arraignment detailing events that transpired in late August 2026.

According to court records, the case centered around the fraudulent conversion of 36 cartons of frozen fish valued at Le30,850 on August 26 at Helena, Kissy. The shipment, entrusted by traders Rebecca Tommy, Mariama Kamara, and Hawa Jalloh for delivery to Kenema, was instead diverted for personal use.

Subsequent violence erupted on August 31 at Calaba Town Market, where several defendants maliciously wounded and assaulted Police Constables Nyakeh Ibrahim Bandabla and Bangalie Ibrahim while obstructing officers in the line of duty.

When the charges were read, all defendants entered guilty pleas. Lead prosecutor Deputy Superintendent of Police Eric A. Deen confirmed that none of the accused had prior criminal records.

Defense counsel Maddie Sesay appealed for judicial leniency, emphasizing the rehabilitative intent of the law and requesting alternative sentencing under the Criminal Procedure Act.

In his judgment, Magistrate Jah cited the defendants’ first-time offender status and willingness to cooperate. He discharged three of the accused—the 7th, 8th, and 17th defendants—while handing down conditional sentences to the remaining 15.

In addition to the custodial sentences and fines, the court ordered the defendants to pay full restitution of Le30,850 to the complainants and provide compensation to the injured officers.