Five Defendants Committed to High Court in Serious Wounding Case

A serious assault case involving five defendants has been formally committed to the High Court following their final appearance at Pademba Road Court No.2 on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The defendants Gibrill Sheik Dumbuya, Rose Keita, Mayillah Dumbuya, Mafudia Dumbuya, and Foday Suma—face serious charges, including wounding with intent and actual bodily harm, which highlights ongoing concerns regarding community safety and violence.

The court established that Gibrill Sheik Dumbuya, 29, and the co-defendants allegedly committed grievous acts of violence on October 10, 2022, at No. 12c Thompson Bay, off Wilkinson Road, Freetown.

The charges stem from an incident where the defendants are accused of unlawfully wounding Alimamy Kamara and Marion Sesay, causing them actual bodily harm through actions the prosecution described as malicious and reckless.

While Gibrill Sheik Dumbuya entered a guilty plea, no plea was officially recorded for the first defendant on the charge sheet. The police charge sheet specifies that Gibrill, along with the others, assaulted the victims, resulting in physical injuries. Specifically, Gibrill is accused of intentionally wounding Kamara with the intent to inflict grievous harm, in addition to a charge of maliciously wounding him, while all five defendants are jointly charged with assaulting both Kamara and Sesay.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, representing the prosecution, acknowledged that the defendants are first-time offenders and recommended the court consider a measure of leniency. Defense Counsel A. Maddie appealed for a non-custodial sentence, citing the defendants' backgrounds, which include students and an unemployed elderly woman.

Magistrate John Manso Fornah, upon reviewing the evidence, including the caution statement of the first defendant and the exhibits tendered, found sufficient grounds to commit Gibrill Sheik Dumbuya to the High Court for trial on the more severe charges.

The magistrate subsequently sentenced the other four defendants to a fine of Le250,000 each or a six-month custodial sentence for each count of assault. Furthermore, they were ordered to compensate the victims with Le500,000 each, payable immediately following the imposition of the fines or sentences.

This case underscores the persistent challenge of community violence and emphasizes the crucial role of the justice system in adjudicating such offenses. The defendants remain on bail, pending the detailed hearing of their case at the High Court.