Family Property Dispute Unveils Domestic Violence
A long-standing family disagreement over a late father’s estate took center stage in Magistrate Court No. 1, where family elder Marie Kargbo testified regarding a property dispute tied to allegations of domestic violence against consultant Gabriel Kargbo.
Marie Kargbo, a retired schoolteacher and elder sister to both the accused and the complainant, told the court that efforts by family members to access property documentation for No. 17 Mountain Cut were repeatedly met with resistance. She explained that while an initial proposal was made to demolish and redevelop the ancestral home, tensions escalated over the control and administration of the underlying documents.
Gabriel Kargbo, 50, faces two counts under the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, specifically covering economic abuse and psychological abuse. The charges stem from events alleged to have occurred between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, at the Mountain Cut property in Freetown.
The complainant, Mohamed Kargbo, alleges that the defendant’s actions restricted family access to the shared heritage, constituting domestic abuse under the statutory definition. Gabriel Kargbo maintains his innocence, and the allegations remain unproven as trial proceedings continue.
According to Marie’s testimony, the family previously sought intervention through the Legal Aid Board and consulted legal counsel, identified as Elvis Kargbo, in hopes of reaching an out-of-court settlement. Despite recommendations for an amicable resolution, internal talks broke down.
Marie alleged that Gabriel refused to surrender title deeds and asserted sole ownership over the residence. She further stated that family members attempting to visit the property were threatened with police arrest.
Following the breakdown in talks, Marie submitted a statement to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), reiterating to the court that her sole motivation was to see a fair and just resolution for the family.
Under cross-examination by defense counsel I. Forfanah, Marie confirmed that Mohamed filed the police report on behalf of the family collective. While acknowledging that Gabriel currently retains physical possession of the premises, she affirmed that the property legally forms part of their late father’s estate, from which other relatives are presently excluded.
The trial highlights the complex intersection of familial property rights and statutory domestic violence protections. The court has adjourned proceedings to October 5, 2026, when the defense is expected to present its case.
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