February 1, 2016 By Hawa Amara
One Moses Alieu Lansana, an employee of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), was last Friday remanded at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road for allegedly setting ablaze an EDSA store, property of the government of Sierra Leone.
The accused was arraigned at the Freetown Magistrates’ Court No.1 presided over by Magistrate Abu Bakarr Binneh-Kamara on three counts of conspiracy, arson and setting fire to any matter or thing in a building contrary to section 7 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861.
According to the particulars of offence, the accused had conspired with some unknown persons to set the EDSA store on fire with intent to defraud the government of Sierra Leone.
The particulars of offence also state that the accused also set fire to certain properties of value in a room known as store.
The accused is represented by defence counsels A.K. Musa, S.F. Fomba and C. Campbell.
Lead defence counsel A.K. Musa applied for bail on behalf of the accused person, submitting that the accused is resident within the jurisdiction and that if granted bail he would not jump bail or interfere with prosecution witness.
He also pleaded that his client has reliable sureties to stand on his behalf.
But police prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Samuel Kamara opposed to bail, stating that the offence for which the accused is standing trial is very serious.
He added that the accused might interfere with prosecution witnesses because they are his colleague workers.
After listening to both submissions, Magistrate Binneh-Kamara ruled in favour of the prosecution and adjourned the matter to 3rd February when the prosecution is expected to open their case.