By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone — August 5, 2025: Joseph Sesay appeared before Magistrate Sao Mamakoh Kallon at Pademba Road Court No. 3 on Tuesday, facing two counts of cyberstalking under Section 44(1)(a) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021. The charges stem from an alleged cyberbullying incident involving threatening audio messages sent via WhatsApp.
According to the charge sheet, on Saturday, December 3, 2023, in Freetown, the accused allegedly used WhatsApp account +232 31214660 to circulate an audio message intended to threaten, damage the reputation, and instill fear in complainant Edward Sesay. A second audio message was also cited, allegedly aimed at bullying the complainant and causing emotional harm.
Inspector Mohamed Jusu, a cyber analyst with over 20 years of investigative experience at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, testified as the prosecution’s key witness. He stated that he received a Techno mobile phone for forensic examination on the date in question.
Jusu explained that materials were extracted from the device and stored on a flash drive for analysis. The audio messages in question were retrieved and reviewed as part of the investigation. The mobile phone was formally tendered as evidence before the court.
During the proceedings, the accused cross-examined the witness himself. Following the cross-examination, Magistrate Kallon granted bail to Joseph Sesay. The matter has been adjourned to August 8, 2025, for further proceedings.
This case marks one of the early applications of Sierra Leone’s Cyber Security and Crime Act, signaling growing attention to digital offenses and the legal mechanisms available to address them.