Principal Magistrate of the Eastern Province, His Worship Hadiru Daboh, committed 18 accused persons to the High Court for trial. The commitment occurred following disturbances that took place in Kailahun Town on June 21, 2026. The 18 individuals will now face legal proceedings at the High Court level in connection with the events. This decision came after the prosecution successfully established a prima facie case, which was deemed sufficient by the court to warrant the committal of the matter to the High Court.
Charges and Allegations Detailed
The Inspector General of Police filed the charge sheet against the accused individuals. They face a total of 14 counts stemming from alleged attacks that occurred in Kailahun Town on Sunday, June 21, 2026. These charges include conspiracy to commit a felony, arson, malicious damage, housebreaking and larceny, and incitement. The allegations specifically refer to attacks on the Pendembu Road Police Barracks and surrounding residential properties. The charges arise directly from these alleged incidents that took place within Kailahun Town.
The accused are further alleged to have maliciously damaged Blocks 152A and 152B of the barracks. The combined value of the properties reportedly stolen during these events amounts to hundreds of thousands of new Leones. Jenneh Senesie is specifically accused of encouraging other defendants to commit arson, malicious damage, housebreaking, and larceny during the disturbances. This particular accusation notes the alleged role of one of the defendants in instigating the actions of others.
Court Proceedings and Bail Decision
The ruling was delivered in Court No. 1 of the Kenema Judicial District on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. During the proceedings, the prosecution established a prima facie case sufficient to warrant the committal of the matter to the High Court for trial. Court documents allege the defendants conspired with other unknown persons to commit arson before allegedly setting fire to Block 152A of the Pendembu Road Police Barracks. Block 152A is a Government facility under the custody of the Sierra Leone Police. The prosecution alleges the accused persons unlawfully broke into several residential quarters within the police barracks and stole cash, household appliances, electronic devices, clothing, police uniforms, motorbikes, furniture, food items, and other valuables. These allegations form the basis of the full 14-count charge sheet. The fourteenth count specifically accuses Jenneh Senesie of incitement, detailing her alleged role in encouraging the commission of these offenses. The Court refused bail for all eighteen defendants and ordered that they remain in custody pending their appearance before the High Court.
Next Steps in Legal Process
The eighteen defendants committed to stand trial are Momoh Musa alias Investor, James Ndogbo alias Fastest, Jenneh Senesie, Karim Bockarie, Davis Alpha, Momoh Kallon, Maada Kpulun, Alhaji Kallon, Samuel Yopoi, Ibrahim Saidu, Momoh Janga, Jusu Baimba, Momoh Kanneh, Alie Sesay alias Jolojolo, Lamin Nabieu, Amara Morie, Daniel Amadu alias DJ, and Amara Sidie Baimba. The matter will now be formally transferred to the High Court. There, the accused persons will face a 14-count indictment related to the disturbances. This transfer marks the next significant stage in the legal process, moving the case from the Magistrate Court to a higher judicial body for a full trial. The defendants will be required to answer to the specific charges detailed in the indictment.
