The May Criminal Session commenced at High Court No.1 on Monday 19 May, 2025, with a total of 42 cases on the docket. The charges include: murder: 2 cases, housebreaking and larceny: 8 cases, conspiracy to commit larceny: 4 cases, unlawful possession of drugs: 6 cases, larceny: 4 cases and operating private security without a valid license: 1 case.

During the session, presiding Judge Justice Augustine A. Musa delivered sentences on several matters including fraudulent conversion.

During this matter, Abu Bakar Sesay, charged with fraudulent conversion, pleaded guilty. He explained to the court that the bike in question had been stolen from him, and he had reported the theft to the Lumley Police Station. His lawyer requested leniency, while the state prosecutor recommended a suitable sentence. The judge sentenced Sesay to 18 months in prison, noting that he did not waste the court’s time and appeared to have learned his lesson during his time in the correctional center. The judge expressed hope that Sesay, as a young man, would now make better choices in life.

In this same session, a man alleged to have been operating security firm without a License

Pastor Fatoma Tommy Jusu, was charged with operating a private security company without a valid license and he also pleaded guilty. The state indicated they had no prior record of the defendant. During plea mitigation, Jusu’s defense lawyer requested that the court exercise caution and discharge him. The judge questioned Jusu about starting a security company without a license, to which Jusu replied that he was close to completion when he was arrested, attributing his actions to temptation. The judge imposed a fine of 50,000 leones or a five-year sentence, including time already served.

The session continue with unlawful possession of drugs for which Saffie Fornah pleaded guilty to possessing drugs unlawfully, specifically 30kg. She informed the court that she had a 13-year-old daughter and claimed to have learned a valuable lesson during her time in prison, attributing her change to divine intervention. The judge acknowledged the limitations of his sentencing options but encouraged her to maintain her newfound perspective and to inspire others in prison. Fornah was sentenced to five years, including time already served.

Margaret Bangura faced similar charges for possessing 50kg of kush in June 2024. The judge also sentenced her to a minimum of five years in prison, ordering that the evidence be destroyed.

In the case of Housebreaking, Foday Fallah also pleaded guilty to and requested mercy from the court. The judge, recognizing that Fallah did not waste the court’s time, sentenced him to four years in prison.

The session continues as the court addresses the remaining cases on the docket.