By Hassanatu I. Conteh
A 62-year-old businessman, Victor Williams, has made another appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown, where he is facing a charge of domestic violence.
Williams is charged with Domestic Violence, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2007.
According to the particulars of the offence, it is alleged that on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Marjay Town, in the Western Area of Freetown, Williams economically abused David Ekundayo Wright, with whom he is said to have been in a domestic relationship.
The accused pleaded not guilty after the charge was read and explained to him.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Juan M. S. Bull, Esq., led the first prosecution witness, David Ekundayo Wright, a medical doctor residing in the United States.
Testifying in court, Wright identified the accused in the dock and told the court that in September 2024, his caretaker, Alusine, contacted him and reported that Williams had gone to his grandfather’s property at Blackhall Road with a surveyor identified as Mr. Bayoh and other unidentified persons.
According to Wright, Williams allegedly engaged one of the tenants on the property and claimed that he was the head of the Wright family and was responsible for all the family’s properties. He allegedly further informed the tenant that he intended to sell the property.
Wright said his caretaker told the tenant that he did not know Williams and that he, Wright, had been introduced to the tenants by his late father as his son and the person responsible for managing the family’s properties.
The witness further testified that Williams left Mr. Bayoh’s contact number and asked Alusine to meet them at the Freetown City Council.
Wright said Alusine later informed him that he had gone to the City Council, where he met Williams and Mr. Bayoh. During the meeting, Williams allegedly produced a conveyance and other legal documents relating to the property and maintained that he was in charge of it.
Following the meeting, Wright said his caretaker contacted him and explained what had transpired. He subsequently contacted his aunt and other family members, after which a family meeting was held.
The witness told the court that following the family meeting, he was advised to make a formal report. He then instructed Mr. Bayoh to make a report on his behalf at the Lumley Police Station.
The witness said he was later informed that a statement had been made at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters at Pademba Road in Freetown.
He further testified that he eventually travelled to Freetown and reported the alleged disappearance of important family documents. According to him, the documents included a conveyance, court proceedings and other legal documents relating to the family estate.
Wright said the accused is his stepmother younger brother, but he later realised that the accused was no longer around after his caretaker informed him about the missing documents.
At this stage, the prosecution applied for a short adjournment to continue its case.
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah subsequently adjourned the matter to Friday, August 14, 2026, for further hearing.