By Saio Marrah
A magistrate in Freetown has remanded popular businessman Ali Jaffa in custody for alleged unlawful possession of arms. The 50-year-old businessman appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Friday 26th April, 2024.
Jaffa faces six counts ranging from being found in possession of ammunition without license and having control of small arms without license, unlawful concealment of small arms, keeping a greater number of small arms without license and among others.
Chief Superintendent of Police, Juan M.S. Bull, who is the head of legal affairs of Sierra Leone Police, told the court that the state could not proceed with the hearing because they were only served with the charges on the court day.
While opposing a bail application by the defense, Ms. Bull told the court that due to the seriousness of the offence the state filed an affidavit for consideration.
Earlier, lawyer, Jeredine Manley-Spaine for the accused, Ali Jaffa, while applying for bail, said the accused was supposed to go for medical treatment abroad on a routine basis. She said if granted bail, the accused will not be a threat to the peace of society.
Ms. Spaine said the police put the accused on bail and he voluntarily attended the hearing.
Meanwhile six others in the same YSC violence case were granted bail facing charges of wounding with intent, assault, affray (fighting with intent to put the public into fear), and throwing missiles.
They were asked to submit their travelling documents to the court.
The case stems from violent incidents at Young Sportsmen Club (YSC) in Freetown on the night of Saturday 6th April 2024.
The case resumes Today 29th April 2024.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (29/04/24)
