By Alimatu Jalloh
Kenema, Sierra Leone – February 2, 2026: A 26-year-old man, Ansu Bockarie, popularly known as Bobson 5-0, has been remanded in custody after being charged with multiple offences in connection with a violent attack on a Catholic priest in Kailahun District.
Bockarie, an unemployed resident of Pendembu Town, appeared before Magistrate Court No. 1 in Kenema on Monday, February 2, 2026. The case was presided over by His Worship Magistrate Hadiru Daboh.
The accused was arraigned on five counts, including:
- Attempted Robbery with Aggravation
- House Breaking, contrary to Section 27(2) of the Larceny Act 1916
- Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861
- Wounding with Intent, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861
- Wounding, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861
Details of the Attack
According to Prosecuting Officer Sgt. 10734 David Idriss, the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Saint Mary’s Parish Mission House in Vaama Section, Pendembu Town, Upper Bambara Chiefdom, Kailahun District.
The prosecution alleged that Bockarie, armed with a shovel, unlawfully broke into the residence of Reverend Father James Joshua Jamiru with intent to commit a felony. During the attack, he inflicted grievous bodily harm on the priest and wounded him.
Evidence Presented
Police reports, an endorsed medical report of the victim, and nine witness statements were tendered in court. Exhibits included one old shovel, one old machete, and the charged statement of the accused.
The prosecution relied on Section 112(b), paragraph two of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 1964.
No bail was granted, and the accused was remanded at the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre (SLCC) in Kenema. The matter has been adjourned to February 10, 2026, for further hearing.