LEBANESE ‘REBEL’ REMANDED
Ali Jaffal, a 50-year-old individual, was remanded on Friday, April 26, 2024, by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 for unlawful possession of a pistol with ammunition.
During his initial court appearance, the accused faced six charges, including possession of firearms without a license, possession of ammunition without a license, unauthorized control of small arms, illegal concealment of firearms, unauthorized possession of a significant number of small arms, and carrying an offensive weapon, all in violation of Sierra Leonean laws.
As per the details of the offense, on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Young Sports Club (YSC) facility on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, Ali Jaffal was discovered with an unlicensed Makarov pistol. Additionally, the police alleged that he was also in possession of 6 rounds of 9*19 millimeter ammunition without a license on the same date and at the same location. Furthermore, it was claimed that he was carrying an offensive weapon without lawful authorization in a public area.
The prosecutor, CSP Juan Bull, explained that they had only recently received the case file and requested an adjournment to summon their witnesses for the proceedings. In response, lead counsel JOP Manley Spain sought bail for the accused, arguing that he posed no flight risk and would not interfere with the witnesses. She emphasized that the accused was a person of good standing, a first-time offender, and suffered from a serious heart condition that required proper treatment at home. She cited Regulation 7 (1b) of the bail regulations, which she believed warranted the accused being granted bail. She also highlighted that the accused was presumed innocent until proven guilty, despite the severity of the charges, and made her application in accordance with Sections 79 (2&3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
CSP Juan Bull opposed the defense counsel’s bail application, arguing that the charges against the accused were grave. He stated that they had submitted an affidavit opposing bail, outlining the reasons for their objections.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Santigie Bangura denied bail and ordered the accused to be remanded in prison. The case was adjourned for further proceedings on Monday, April 29, 2024.