By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, 27 May 2025 – The Legal Aid Board (LAB) has successfully represented 57 accused persons during the May Criminal Session at the High Court in Freetown. Presided over by Honourable Justice Augustin K. Musa, the session took place on 19 May at High Court No. 1 on Siaka Stevens Street.
The accused faced charges including conspiracy to defraud, murder, larceny, wounding with intent, robbery with aggravation, and other offences. Of the 57 accused, 23 pleaded guilty and received various prison sentences, while three were granted bail, one was cautioned and discharged, and another was sentenced based on time already served.
Legal representation was provided by experienced counsels, including Cecilia Tucker, Cyril Taylor-Younge, Mustapha Karim Dauda, and Bankole C.E. Morgan.
In a separate legal development, the Board’s resident lawyers in Kono and Bo districts, Counsel Alpha O. Kamara and Counsel Jack John Harris, successfully secured the discharge of 14 accused persons on 21 May. Magistrate Joseph Tobby of the Sefadu Magistrate Court in Kono ordered the release of 11 individuals, while Honourable Justice Bans Kamara of the Bo High Court discharged the remaining three.
Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, applauded the Board’s legal team for their dedicated efforts in ensuring fair representation for the accused. She reaffirmed LAB’s commitment to supporting the judiciary’s criminal calendar and expressed gratitude to Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, for his presence at the event marking the Board’s Tenth Anniversary. She also commended the judiciary for its role in ensuring justice for wrongfully accused individuals.