Bench Warrants Issued for Four Absent Defendants in Cyberstalking Case

Bench Warrants Issued for Four Absent Defendants in Cyberstalking Case

A magistrate court has issued bench warrants for four men who failed to appear for proceedings in a high-profile case involving allegations of cyberstalking, death threats, malicious damage, and trespass.

The complainant, Josephine Jackson—a former parliamentary aspirant for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)—brought the matter before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The defendants—Malorka Conteh, Master Christopher, Pastor Luwanba, and Master Aruna—face multiple charges under Sierra Leonean law, including conspiracy, malicious damage under the Malicious Damage Act 1861, cyberstalking and bullying under the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021, threatening language under the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, and unlawful trespass.

According to court filings, the charges stem from an August 3, 2026 incident at No. 2 River in the Western Area of Freetown. The prosecution alleges that the four men conspired to vandalize a perimeter wall fence belonging to Jackson, valued at Le200,000.

In addition to the physical damage, prosecutors claim the defendants repeatedly sent intimidating mobile phone messages to Jackson, including one that read: “Whenever we see you one on one, we will kill you instantly.” 

The threats reportedly caused Jackson severe distress and fear for her personal safety.

The indictment further states that the men unlawfully entered Jackson’s property after explicitly being warned to stay away.

When the hearing commenced, none of the four accused were present. Prosecuting counsel Jessie M. Jengo promptly requested arrest warrants, presenting proof of service filed with the District Attorney’s Office confirming the defendants had been properly served.

“Their absence shows a contempt for justice, and it is necessary that we take firm action to ensure accountability,” Jengo argued before the court.

Magistrate Jah granted the prosecution's request and ordered immediate bench warrants for all four men. The case was adjourned to September 2, 2026, pending their arrest and production in court.