On September 17, 2024, Acting Chief Justice, Justice Nicholas C. Browne-Marke, officially opened the September 2024 High Court Criminal calendar with a call-over of ninety-four (94) criminal cases.
The call-over serves to take pleas from accused individuals committed for trial by Magistrates’ Courts or indicted with a Judge’s written consent. Guilty pleas lead to immediate sentencing, while not guilty pleas result in adjournments for future trials.
The ceremony was preceded by a Guard of Honour from the Sierra Leone Police. The cases encompass serious charges, including treason, murder, conspiracy, and robbery. Notably, there are seven murder cases involving eight defendants and eight cases of robbery with aggravation.
Among the notable cases, 49-year-old George Adams faces charges of Treason, Misprision of Treason, and Murder. He allegedly plotted to overthrow the government between November 11 and November 26, 2023, but pleaded not guilty and was remanded until October 1.
In other proceedings, 22-year-old Santigie Mansaray received a 12-month sentence for House Breaking and Larceny, while Yusif Thoelly and Alimamy Bangura were each sentenced to five years for Office and Store Breaking and Larceny, respectively.
The call-over and case assignments will continue tomorrow. The Criminal Session occurs four times a year.
