Court Issues Bench Warrant for UK-Based Engineer Over Cyberbullying Charges

A bench warrant has been issued by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown against Emmanuel Marshall, 42, a Sierra Leonean engineer residing in the United Kingdom.

The warrant stems from charges related to cyberbullying, which contravene Section 44(1)(b) of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021 (Act No.7 of 2021).

According to the particulars of the offense, between May 4, 2025, and February 24, 2026, in Freetown, Mr. Marshall allegedly used his social media accounts on Facebook and TikTok to willfully and repeatedly post detrimental texts and live-stream videos. 

These communications purportedly targeted the Minister of Lands and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senessie, the Director of Surveys and Lands, Tamba Sahr Dauda, and staff of the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning. The prosecution alleges this conduct adversely affected these officials and their professional duties.

When the charges were read and explained to Marshall, no plea was taken, as the proceedings are currently at the committal stage. State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay, Esq., informed the court of the defendant's non-appearance and successfully moved for a bench warrant to secure Marshall’s attendance. 

Magistrate Fornah granted the warrant and further ordered that sureties be provided for the defendant’s arrest.

The matter has been adjourned to May 7, 2026, for further proceedings.