By: Alimatu Kargbo
During today’s hearing, Lead defence counsel, R.M. Kondeh, told the court that the prosecution’s file had only just been served on them, stressing that the allegations against their client were serious and required adequate time for proper review. The defence therefore applied for an adjournment.
However, State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay argued that the prosecution had complied with Section 98(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 8 of 2024, which mandates service of documents within eight days of an accursed first appearance. He maintained that service of the file does not automatically halt proceedings and described the defence’s request as unfair to the State.
In reply, the defence adopted its earlier application, insisting on sufficient time to study the material
Ruling on the matter, Magistrate Jah refused bail, stating that since the defence had sought an adjournment and was not ready to proceed, he would first hear evidence from witnesses before considering any bail application.
The matter was adjourned to 4th March 2026 for continuation.
