Associates of Kao Denero Remanded on Charges of Assault and Intimidation

Prominent Sierra Leonean musicians, MedLenero and his associate, on 3rd June were remanded in custody following charges of conspiracy, assault, and intimidation related to a violent incident at a luxury hotel.

Amidu Sesay and Mohamed H. Kargbo, known as MedLenero, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 to address serious criminal charges.

The duo faces a seven-count indictment including conspiracy, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, disorderly conduct, and intimidation. These charges are linked to an incident alleged to have occurred on February 22, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen.

Court documents indicate that counts one and two charge the defendants with conspiracy to commit a crime. Counts three and four allege assault, while count five pertains to disorderly behavior under the Public Order Act. Counts six and seven involve allegations of intimidation.

The prosecution claims that the accused conspired to commit offences against fellow musicians Fredrik Dapay Peters, also known as Famous, and Ibrahim Fofanah, during a gathering at the hotel. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Fredrik Peters, testifying as the first prosecution witness, identified the accused as close associates of renowned Sierra Leonean artist Kao Denero, the country's Entertainment Ambassador.

Peters recounted attending a "Ladies First" event organized by another artist, Star Zee, at the Radisson Blu Hotel where the incident took place.

Peters testified that while outside the venue, the accused deliberately bumped into him. Although Peters' friends wanted to retaliate, he instructed them not to. Later, he stated that Kao Denero confronted him at the hotel pool area, accusing him of harboring envy and resentment over his ambassadorial role.

According to Peters, Kao Denero used abusive language and instructed the second accused to spray him with pepper spray, leaving him feeling paralyzed and confused.

During the hearing, ACP Joan Bull, leading the prosecution, requested an adjournment to call additional witnesses.

The defense, represented by lawyer Z. Kanu, applied for bail for the accused, arguing that both are respected musicians with reliable sureties. He referenced legal provisions, including Section 23 of the 1991 Constitution and Sections 79(2 & 3) of the Criminal Procedure Act, to support the bail application, emphasizing the presumption of innocence.

However, Magistrate Jah denied the bail request, remanding the accused to the male correctional facility. The case has been adjourned to June 11, 2025, for further hearings.