Cyberbullying Case between colleagues Underscores Escalating Digital Threats

Mohamed Kabia, 32, recently appeared before the Freetown Magistrate Court, facing charges of cyberbullying. This case brings to the forefront the increasing dangers associated with the misuse of social media platforms.

Kabia was formally charged on January 12, 2025, for allegedly utilizing WhatsApp to issue threats and disseminate defamatory content concerning a colleague, Robert Saila Kamara.

Court documents indicate that Kabia, operating under the account name "MAGBOKEH BORBOR," purportedly transmitted bullying messages targeting Robert Salia Kamara, a resident of Thompson Bay, Wilkinson Road, Freetown. These communications allegedly jeopardized Kamara’s safety and damaged his professional standing.

Upon the reading of the charge, Kabia abstained from entering a plea.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led the prosecution, with Kamara serving as the initial witness. Kamara, who holds a management position at Leone Rock Metal Group, testified to his prior acquaintance with the accused, stemming from a shared living arrangement.

He elaborated that on January 13, while performing his duties as a district secretary for the SLPP in Tonkolili, he received notifications from group members regarding adverse posts directed at him on social media.

The complainant instructed his associates to capture screenshots of the posts, which included a message announcing his suspension from office and falsely asserting his dismissal due to criminal conduct. He identified the message as originating from Kabia’s WhatsApp account, subsequently printing it as evidence, designated as Exhibit Z. Kamara reported the incident to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Pademba Road, which led to Kabia’s apprehension.

He further disclosed that Kabia disseminated these messages across several social media groups, including the Constituency New Direction Group, Vision State House Group, and Radical Inclusion Group. These posts featured Kamara’s image alongside derogatory labels, such as "thief." Kamara affirmed that these posts directly resulted in his job suspension.

The prosecution stated that Kabia was subsequently arrested under a warrant and had provided a statement to law enforcement.

Magistrate Fornah, citing the gravity of the offense, denied bail and adjourned the case until June 17, 2025.