June 28, 2019
By Yusufu S. Bangura
Magistrate Abdul Sheriff, presiding at the Pademba Road court No.3 yesterday committed to High Court of Justice, 21-year-old Foday Urama Kamara, a herbalist, who was charged with the offence of sexual penetration of a child contrary to Section 19 of Sexual Offences Act No. 12 of 2012.
Police prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent Moses Moore alleges that the accused person on Saturday 2nd March, 2019, in Freetown sexually penetrated a child below the age of 18 to wit 13 year.
Magistrate Sheriff stated that, “Having gone through the evidence so far presented in the preliminary investigations, I am satisfied that the accused person has a case to answer. I therefore commit this matter to the High Court of justice for trial.”
However, the accused was granted a Le40 million bail and two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate ordered that the two sureties should be gainfully employed and residents in Western Area and that each surety should produce two passport pictures and bail must be approved by the Deputy Master and Registrater of the High Court.
In another development in the same courtroom, Magistrate Sheriff also committed one Solomon Azumah Gaima, 32, to the High Court for penetrating a 17 year old girl.
Police Prosecutor, Sergeant 9939 Lahai Momoh, alleges that the accused person on Saturday 9th March 2019 at Ogoo Farm, Goderich in Freetown, sexually penetrated a child below the age of 18 to wit 17 years old.
However, defense counsel A.S Mansaray applied for bail on behalf of his client, noting that he has reliable sureties that would stand in his recognizance.
He told the court that if his client is granted bail, he would not jump bail or interfere with the prosecution witnesses.
Magistrate Sheriff upheld his application and granted the accused a Le50million Leones bail, with two sureties, stating that one of the sureties must have utility bill and the bail should be approved by the Deputy Master and Registrar.