By Janet A. Sesay
The Public Relations Officer for the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party in Bo District in Southern Sierra Leone, Mohamed Moriba on Monday, 26th January, 2026 made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 charged with inciting statement allegedly made via the TikTok social media platform that is contrary to law.
Police have alleged that Moriba, on Saturday, 27th December, 2025 at Kamalo Village in the Karina Judicial District in the North-east Province of the Republic of Sierra Leone created an audio and video clip with inciting content in a bid to cause mayhem, disorder, chaos and unrest in the country which Salone gossip hub posted on their TikTok account.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
The Lead Police Prosecutor, ASP Dalia Wellington informed the Magistrate that they have served the defense team copies of the case file and that the Lead Defense Counsel, M.A. Kamara had confirmed receipt of copies of the case file.
The Prosecutor therefore sought for an adjournment indicating that Prosecution witnesses in the matter were absent in court.
The Lead Defense Counsel, M.A. Kamara in turn made an application for bail on behalf of the defendant pursuant to Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedures Act 2024, affirming that the defendant is a peaceful citizen of Sierra Leone and has reliable sureties to stand for his recognizance. He assured that if his client is granted bail he will not jump bail nor interfere with prosecution witnesses.
However, Prosecutor responded that he relies on his affidavit that opposes bail for the defendant.
Magistrate Fornah however refused grant bail and adjourned the matter to 28th January, 2026 for hearing, while the defendant was remanded in custody at the main Male Correctional Center at Pademba Road in Freetown.