By Fatima Kpaka
Kenema residents remain on edge as the case against Richard Brima, accused of robbery with violence and assault causing actual bodily harm, unfolds in court. On Monday, May 26, 2025, Brima made yet another appearance before Magistrate Patrick Fofanah at Pademba Road Court No.1, facing charges related to a violent attack on prominent businessman Abdulai Darboh, President of the Scrap Metal Association.
The incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, October 3, 2024, around 8:00 p.m. at Gava Forestry Quarters in Nongowa Chiefdom, Eastern Province. According to the charge sheet, Brima, alongside a gang of accomplices, brutally assaulted Darboh, robbing him of $16,000 (Le20,000) and a valuable silver wristwatch.
Key prosecution witness Alusine Williams recounted his eerie encounter that night. Walking near the entrance of the former Kenema forest, Williams was warned by a young boy—whom he had previously helped—not to enter the area, as Brima and his associates were inside. Hesitant, Williams stood near the gate until an associate of the accused aggressively declared that anyone who entered would be severely dealt with.
Despite the tense courtroom atmosphere, inconsistencies in the witness statements led Magistrate Fofanah to continue bail for the accused. The case has been adjourned to June 5, 2025, for further clarification, leaving Kenema residents anxiously awaiting justice.
Two Remanded on Treason Charges
By Fatima Kpaka
A high-profile treason case involving two men accused of plotting to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone has faced another delay due to the absence of defense counsel. The matter was brought before Magistrate Patrick Fofanah at Pademba Road Court No.1 on Monday, May 26, 2025.
The accused, 50-year-old Joseph Dumbuya and 59-year-old Ahmed Turay, face charges of treason and murder under Sierra Leone’s Treason and State Offenses Act of 1963 and the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1861. The indictment alleges that between November 11 and November 26, 2023, in Freetown, the accused conspired with unknown individuals to unlawfully seize control of the government.
The charge sheet further states that the accused forcefully took over critical locations, including Wilberforce Barracks, Joint Force Command Headquarters Cockeril, the 3rd Infantry Brigade Murray Town, the Sierra Leone Correctional Center, and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation at New England Ville. Additionally, they allegedly broke into correctional centers, releasing inmates unlawfully while carrying out violent attacks.
Tragically, their actions reportedly resulted in the murder of Correctional Officer Obi Isaac Johnson on November 26, 2023.
During the proceedings, prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay requested an adjournment due to the absence of defense lawyer Chernor Kamara. Sesay also informed the court that the Attorney General had emphasized the need for a speedy trial.
Bail was denied, and the matter has been adjourned to Thursday, May 29, 2025, for further proceedings.