By Fatima Kpaka
Principal Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of the Freetown Magistrate Court No.1 has on Monday, November 10, 2025, committed Abdul Kanu and Mohammed Abu Turay to the High Court for trial over allegations of wrongfully exposing the travel manifest of President Julius Maada Bio and his entourage to the United Kingdom.
Charges
The two defendants were arraigned on two counts of wrongful communication of documents, contrary to Section 7(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offences Act of 1963, as amended.
According to the indictment, between August 20 and 30, 2025, in Freetown, Abdul Kanu allegedly communicated the President’s travel manifest to Mohammed Abu Turay. It further states that Abu Turay, on the same date, wrongfully shared the manifest with a contact in Dubai in exchange for cash.
Court Proceedings
During proceedings, State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay informed the court that the prosecution was closing its case and requested that the file be withdrawn for ruling. Defense Counsel E.B. Kargbo did not object to the application.
Magistrate Jah noted that the prosecution had conducted a preliminary investigation and presented sufficient evidence to warrant committal. Witnesses were led and cross-examined by the defense team.
Defense Counsel J. Wales applied for the author of the cyber report to appear in court for cross-examination and also requested a medical status report on the defendants. The prosecution opposed both applications.
Ruling
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah stated that he had examined the totality of the evidence presented and was satisfied that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendants.
“The duty of the prosecution at this stage is to adduce sufficient evidence against both defendants, and I am satisfied that they have done so,” Magistrate Jah said.
He therefore committed the matter to the High Court for further trial without bail.
Both defendants were remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown until their next appearance before the High Court.