Abubakarr Suliaman made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown, on 4 count charges, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding contrary to section 18, 20 and 47 of the Offences Against the Persons Act of 1861, public insult and provocation contrary to section 2 of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965.

Particulars of offense stated that Abu Bakarr Sulaiman on 25th February 2025, at No.185 Regent Road, Malama, Lumley in Freetown, caused grievous bodily harm, assaulted and wounded Hinga Mangu one of the complainants.

On 22 February at the same place in Freetown, the accused in the view of the public did insult the complainant Hinga Mangu and Festus Mangu in their presence in such a manner as would be likely to provide them to commit a breach of the peace.

When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea taken.

Lawyer Munda led prosecution witness number one Hinga Mangu who lived at 7th Battalion, a civil servant attached to the office of the President.

According to the witness, the second complainant is his brother and knows the defendant.

The witness continued that on the 25th February, 2025, his late sister’s elder daughter Adama Ferenthe Stevens informed him that they had a new tenant at the house. Upon his arrival at the house he discovered that everywhere was locked. He said while he was waiting for someone to open the gate, the defendant arrived and started questioning the witness and stated that the witness and none of relatives will enter the compound.

The witness furthered that the defendant stated that since he has married their daughter Alimatu, he now owns the place. The witness said he told the defendant that they are not aware of their marriage because their daughter is already legally married.

He added that as he tried to reach for the gate, the defendant gripped him and threw him on the ground, noting that as he tried to reach for the keys the defendant stepped on his foot and dragged the keys from his hand which resulted to some injuries on his hand.

He told the court that because the defendant prevented them from entering the compound, he went to the police station where he made statement and was given a medical form for treatment.

The medical report was produced for identification in court

Defense counsel Campbell questioned the complainant if he signed any papers to his lawyer, which he answered in the negative.

He asked how many people where at the scene at the time. The witness stated that 4 people were present at the time.

Lawyer Campbell also questioned the witness if he was aware of another case file against him and his brothers and other boys.

The witness stated that he is not aware.

A bail application was made for and behalf of the defendant as he was served a bench warrant from the last adjoined date.

Magistrate Bangura denied bail due to the seriousness of the allegations.

The matter was adjourned to 15th May, 2025.