APC Secretary General Granted Bail in Insulting President Bio Case

APC Secretary General Granted Bail in Insulting President Bio Case

In a significant ruling, the High Court has granted bail to Lansana Dumbuya, ESQ, who had been remanded for charges related to insulting President Bio.

The Tuesday evening courtroom proceedings were marked by heightened anticipation as the defence team, spearheaded by prominent legal counsel SK Koroma and Africanus Sesay, successfully renewed their application for bail.

The defence posited that a production order would be necessary to facilitate the accused's court appearance, thereby maintaining procedural transparency and efficacy.

Furthermore, the defence assured the court of the readiness of credible and responsible sureties. They specifically cited the willingness of Ambassador Alhaji Dr. Osman Foday Yansaneh to serve as a surety, a factor emphasizing the commitment to ensuring the accused's attendance at all court dates and full compliance with bail stipulations.

The defence team clarified the role of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, stating their involvement was strictly professional and limited to providing support for the bail application. They stressed that the Bar acted within its mandate to uphold legal standards and ensure proper professional conduct, particularly given the accused's senior standing within the legal profession.

In opposition, the prosecution team, led by Yusuf Isaac Sesay, expressed reservations. They reminded the court that bail remains a discretionary judicial matter, necessitating careful consideration of factors such as the gravity of the charges and the potential impact on the administration of justice.

Throughout the proceedings, the court emphasized the imperative of due process. The accused, who appeared under a production order, was released through the Sierra Leone Bar Association into the custody of Amb. Osman Foday Yansaneh, the surety responsible for guaranteeing the accused's presence at all subsequent court sessions.

Following a comprehensive deliberation, the court exercised its discretion and granted bail to the defendant, subject to specific conditions. The matter has been adjourned to February 24th for further proceedings.

The decision has elicited varied responses, reflecting the high stakes and considerable public interest surrounding the case.