By Janet A. Sesay
Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court has ordered the appearance of former Minister, Bai Mahmoud Bangura before the court in the next hearing to answer to treason charges.
“Bai Mamoud Bangura should be brought to court on the next adjournment whether he is fit to stand trial or not,” Magistrate Bangura orders.
The order was made during yesterday’s proceedings shortly after lead defence counsel, Africanus Sorie Sesay informed the court that the eight accused was still unwell.
To substantiate his claim, Counsel Sesay produced a medical certificate showing that Bangura was responding to treatment at Connaught hospital.
He also provided a photocopy of the medical report to the prosecution team.
Lead state prosecutor, Lawyer Ahmed Bockarie, in response to question of the authenticity of the medical report, said they had seen the document but did not know how the defence got it.
He said he wanted to see the author since the document came from the police.
He said what the defence brought before the court was just an information and later requested an adjournment.
In response, he wondered why the prosecution is questioning the authenticity of the document.
Amid arguments about the Bangura’s health, defence counsel made an application to get access to their client at the Pademba Road prison which was granted with Magistrate Bangura saying “neither the court nor the prosecution holds malice against the accused persons”
The magistrate’s order will help the defence prepare very well before coming to court in the next hearing.
The matter was adjourned to Thursday 11th January.
12 accused persons: Amadu Koita, Makolo Mohamed Jalloh, Sergeant 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara, Ramatu Kamanda Conteh, Alimatu Hassan Bangura, Hassan Leigh, Mohamed Woodie, Bai Mamadu Bangura, ASP Ibrahim Sesay, Tamba Yamba, Kabba Kamara and Abdul sorie Hassan Kamara are standing before the court for treason and other related offences.
Director of Public Prosecution, Osman Kanu, AJM Bockarie, A. Jalloh, A.V Koroma and T.B Zizer are prosecuting While counsels Musa Pious Sesay, M M Kamara, A F Sesay, Ade Macauley, Brima Koroma, A Bah, S.A Conteh, N.K Kamara and batteries of other lawyers defending.