Female Revenue Officer in Court Over Domestic Violence Allegations Against Husband

A 34-year-old Revenue Officer, Adama Josephine Keifala Samba, appeared before Pademba Road Magistrate Court on Tuesday, facing multiple counts of domestic violence against her husband, Buawah Jobo Samba, including physical, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse.

The alleged incidents reportedly occurred between January 1 and June 21, 2025, at their residence at No. 8 Madongo Town, off Congo Cross, Freetown.

During proceedings, the prosecution, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M. S. Bull, requested the joinder of charges C/S 2366/2025 and C/S 2365/2025 with the existing files C/S 2336/2025 and C/S 2337/2025.

ACP Bull argued that the offenses were interconnected and part of a series of similar incidents, and that consolidating the cases would facilitate a speedy trial without prejudice to either party. The defense did not oppose the application, and Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura granted the request.

When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The prosecution then called their first witness, Buawah Jobo Musa Samba, a civil servant and the defendant’s husband. He recounted alleged abuses following the couple’s return from the United States, including proposals by the defendant to remain abroad through studies, marriage to a U.S. citizen, and adoption arrangements for their children, which he claimed to have rejected due to financial constraints and doubts about feasibility.

The witness described a heated confrontation involving the defendant and her family that escalated into physical violence and verbal abuse. He alleged an incident where the defendant pushed him, her younger sister physically attacked him, and the defendant falsely accused him of molesting her mother, while also engaging in verbal insults he recorded on his phone.

Following the testimony, both prosecution and defense sought bail for the defendant, arguing she posed no flight risk and would not interfere with witnesses. Magistrate Samura granted bail in the sum of twenty thousand Leones, with one surety of the same amount. The surety must be an ordinary resident of Freetown and provide valid identification.

The case has been adjourned to October 20, 2025, for further proceedings.