By Musa Paul Feika
Alusine Foday Sonnie, Edward Brima and eleven others, who are all members of the Grafton Hood Clique, have made their first appearance before Magistrate Hannah Bonnie of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1, for allegedly killing Osman Bangura, aka Toshiba, at Grafton New Camp in Freetown.
It was alleged that the deceased, Osman Bangura, was a member of the Black Hood Clique within the same Grafton community.
Abubakar Koroma, Music Controller, and also firsthand witness in the said matter, lamented that he recognized the 5th, 6th and 7th accused, and could recall on 29th December 2018. He continued that, on that day, while he was at Grafton New camp community, he saw the Grafton Hood Clique coming towards the direction of the Black Hood Clique, using all sorts of abusive language at Grafton New camp field. Abubarkar furthered that, as the two cliques approached each other, it resulted into a fight.
According to Abubakar, he attempted to stop them but it was to no avail. He said he later called the Councilor and explained exactly what transpired between the two cliques.
The witness further revealed that, when he called the Councilor, he advised him to contact the Grafton Police Station.
The witness said that after he reported the matter at the said police station, to one Mr. Bah, the Crime Officer, in his response, he said to him that he does not have enough personnel in the station. Rather the officer advised him to report the matter at the Jui Police Station.
Mr. Koroma said that he later went to the Jui Police Station, but the personnel, who were there, said to him unless they get a call from Grafton Police Station before they make a move.
He said while coming from the Jui Police Station, he saw the 1st accused (Alusine Foday) and the 2nd accused (Alusine Lorgan), including the deceased, on the other side of the road. The witness added that he crossed over to them and saw blood coming down from the neck of the deceased.
According to him, the deceased was taken to Grafton Hospital by the 1st and the 2nd accused. In his testimony, while he attempted to return to the Grafton Police Station to report the ugly incident, he got information that Osman Bangura had passed away.
All the accused were before the court for three count charges, ranging from conspiracy, which is contrary to law and two count charges of grievous bodily harm, which are all contrary to law.
According to the police file, all the thirteen accused, on the 29th December 2018 at Grafton New camp Freetown, conspired with unknown persons to commit a felony, to wit murder. At the same time they grievously harmed the deceased.
There was no legal representation for all the accused. Bail was refused and all the accused were remanded.
The matter was adjourned to the 2nd May, 2019.