By Janet A. Sesay
Principal Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown has on Thursday 10 September, 2026 give lead defence counsel Africanus Sesay one week to file a no-case submission in a long-running criminal matter involving Lansana Dumbuya former National Secretary General of the All People’s Congress party.
The ruling followed an application by defence counsel Africanus Sesay for an adjournment after apologizing before the court for the absence of the defendant Lansana Dumbuya on the previous adjourned date.
State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay indicated that the prosecution would not oppose the application for an adjournment, but stressed the need for the matter to progress, noting that “there must be an end to litigation.”
In his response, Magistrate Jah expressed concern over the length of time the matter had taken before his court.
Magistrate Jah urged defence counsel Africanus Sesay to make progress and proceed with the defence case without further delay.
He accordingly granted a one-week adjournment to 17 September 2026 for the defence to file and submit its no-case submission.
Magistrate Jah warned that if the defence failed to proceed on the next date, he would put the defendant to election and proceed to determine the matter on its merits.
“This matter has taken quite a long time in my court,” the Magistrate stated, adding that he would not allow further unnecessary delays.
He emphasised the principle that “justice delayed is justice denied”, and said he wanted the matter concluded as soon as possible.
The case was adjourned to 17 September 2026.
Dumbuya is before the court on three count charges of incitement, contrary to law, insulting language, contrary to Section 2 of the Public Order Act of 1965 and behaving in an insulting manner, contrary to Section 12(a) of the Public Order Act 1965.
The prosecution alleges that on the 31st January 2026, during a public address at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium, Dumbuya made statements encouraging supporters to refer to President Julius Maada Bio as a “thief.”
The second count concerns alleged insulting language directed at ASP Francis Momodu Tommy, while the third alleges that he encouraged supporters to chant derogatory remarks against President Bio.