By Hassanatu I. Conteh
Forty-one (41) years old herbalist and Gambian national, Matthew Mendy, made his first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown.
He was arraigned before the court on a count of ‘Unlawful Possession of Arms’ contrary to section 22 (1) of the Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition Act, 2023, Act No.24 of 2023.
According to the particulars of offence, on Monday, 29th January, 2024, at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi in Port Loko, the Northern Province in Freetown, Mendy was found in possession of one locally made 12 gauge calibre single barrel shotgun without lawful authority.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused person, no plea was taken.
The prosecutor, the Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ibrahim S. Mansaray, informed the Bench that his witness was absent.
In a bid to seek adjournment, he sought a short adjournment date.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Kekura refused bail and sent the accused person to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 18th March, 2024 for further hearing.