Man Remanded for Attempted Murder of Catholic Priest in Kailahun

A 26-year-old unemployed man, Ansu Bockarie, popularly known as “Bobson 5-0,” has been remanded at the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre (SLCC) in Kenema following his arraignment on charges including attempted murder of a Catholic priest.

Bockarie, a resident of Pendembu Town, appeared before Magistrate Court No.1 in Kenema on February 2, 2026, presided over by His Worship Magistrate Hadiru Daboh.

He was arraigned on five counts, including Attempted Robbery with Aggravation, House Breaking, Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent, Wounding with Intent, and Wounding, under the Larceny Act of 1916 and the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.

According to the prosecution, led by Sergeant 10734 David Idriss, Bockarie allegedly attacked Reverend Father James Joshua Jamiru at the Saint Mary’s Parish Mission House in the Vaama Section of Pendembu Town, Upper Bambara Chiefdom, Kailahun District, on January 27, 2026. Armed with a shovel, he attempted to rob the priest, unlawfully entered his residence, and inflicted serious injuries with intent to kill.

In court, the prosecution presented a police report, a medical report of the victim, statements from nine witnesses, and exhibits including a shovel and a machete. The accused’s own statement was also tendered as evidence. The prosecution said it would rely on Section 112(b), subsection 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1964.

No bail was granted, and the case has been adjourned to February 10, 2026, for hearing.

This incident has sparked concern over the safety of religious leaders in the region, highlighting the need for stronger security measures in vulnerable communities.