Six in Court Over Alleged Riot, Property Damage in Regent Community

Six in Court Over Alleged Riot, Property Damage in Regent Community

Six accused persons Jags Kakay, Abdulia Kargbo, Sakceleb Suluku, Alpha Seray, Tejan Magao, and Osman Kamara have made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No.2, facing multiple charges including riotous conduct, incitement, and malicious damage.

According to the prosecution, the alleged incident occurred on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, at No. 2 Yusifu Drive, Vai S.S. Camp, Regent, in the Mountain Rural District of the Western Area. The accused are said to have conspired with others unknown to engage in riotous behavior, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965 (as amended).

The charges further state that the defendants not only behaved in a riotous manner but also incited others and caused damage to properties belonging to Genevieve Caulker and Alberta Brewah. The damaged items reportedly include a mobile phone valued at Le 6,000, an iPhone 8 valued at Le 6,000, and an Apple iPad valued at Le 3,500, bringing the total to Le 15,500.

When the charges were read and explained in court, all six defendants pleaded not guilty.

Testifying as the first prosecution witness, Genevieve Caulker, a businesswoman, told the court that she recognized all the accused, identifying the first defendant as her landlady. She alleged that on the day of the incident, the first defendant arrived at her residence and threatened her and her sister, Elizabeth, claiming she had reported them to the police and received instructions to assault them.

Caulker further testified that the first defendant summoned others to the scene, after which the remaining defendants arrived, allegedly calling out her name and that of her sister while using aggressive and abusive language.

Defense counsel, S.I. Koroma, Esq., applied for bail on behalf of the accused, arguing that they are Sierra Leonean residents with credible sureties willing to stand on their behalf. The application was made pursuant to Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.

Magistrate Fornah granted bail to all six defendants in the sum of Le 10,000 each, with sureties in like amount. The court stipulated that sureties must reside within Freetown, possess fixed addresses, and provide valid identification confirming their residence.

The matter has been adjourned to April 8, 2026, for further hearing as proceedings continue.