Judiciary Opens September Session with 75 Criminal Cases, Targeting Human Trafficking and Serious Crimes

Judiciary Opens September Session with 75 Criminal Cases, Targeting Human Trafficking and Serious Crimes

The September Criminal Session of Sierra Leone's judiciary commenced with a forceful declaration from Chief Justice Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, signaling an unwavering stance against migrant smuggling and human trafficking.

In a stark message delivered during the opening ceremony, Chief Justice Kamanda underscored the government's steadfast commitment to dismantling trafficking networks, exemplified by the immediate denial of bail to two accused, Mohamed Kelleh Mansaray and Saidu Kuyateh. Both individuals face charges of conspiracy and migrant smuggling under the stringent Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act No. 12 of 2022.

This session not only marks the inauguration of Sierra Leone’s 2024 criminal calendar but also heralds the implementation of the new Criminal Procedure Act. 

A total of 75 criminal cases were formally opened before the High Court, encompassing a spectrum of serious allegations, including treason, eight murder counts, various drug-related offenses, and other grave felonies.

Presiding over several initial cases, Justice Alfred T. Ganda (JA) swiftly delivered verdicts for defendants who entered guilty pleas. Sentences varied, ranging from one to five years, with some individuals receiving alternative penalties or compensation orders.

Noteworthy sentences included:

• Robert Moiforay: 1 year for larceny

• Abdulia Kemokai: 2.5 years for house breaking and larceny

• Emmanuel Komba: 3 years for house breaking and larceny

• Thaimu Bangura: 5 years for fraudulent conversion and obtaining money by false pretense

• Ansu Kallon: 1 year for larceny from the person

• Mohamed Gblato: 2 years for store breaking and larceny

• Hassan Bangura: 2 years for fraudulent conversion

• Kojo Suliaman Janny: 2 years for store breaking and larceny

• Alie Musa Kamara: Released with time served, ordered to pay NLe100,000 in compensation.

The session concluded with the official assignment of the remaining 75 criminal cases to their respective judges for trial, solidifying the judiciary’s resolve to uphold justice and vigorously confront serious crime across the nation.