By: Alimatu Kargbo
Mohammed Sheriff, who was previously declared wanted by the court, reappeared before Magistrate Mary Julia Gbloh at Pademba Road Court No. 5 in Freetown, where he took the witness stand as a factual witness in a land dispute matter involving allegations of trespass and malicious damage.
A bench warrant had earlier been issued against Sheriff and his sureties after he failed to appear in court. However, upon his return, he proceeded directly to give evidence. Magistrate Gbloh used the moment to firmly remind all parties that her court is “not a playground,” stressing that proceedings are to be treated with seriousness and respect.
Sheriff is facing four-count charges, including threatening conduct and trespass contrary to Section 15(1) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, and malicious damage contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861. The allegations relate to repeated unlawful entry onto a piece of land at Banga Farm, Sussex, and the destruction of a fenced gate valued at SLE 55,000.
In his testimony, Sheriff, a businessman residing at Tanris Mansion, Beach Road, told the court that he knows the complainant as his neighbor. He recounted that on 13th March 2023, he received a call from his worker informing him that the complainant had ordered work on the land to stop. He said he later contacted a caretaker, Mr. Francis, who informed him that the landowner was abroad and referred him to a representative named Nadia.
According to Sheriff, he reached out to Nadia, who encouraged him to proceed with his work and directed him to another individual believed to be in charge of the property. He added that during a subsequent visit to the land, confusion over ownership arose, eventually leading to police involvement. The matter was first reported at Adonkia Police Station before being transferred to Lumley Police Station, where discussions continued.
Addressing the allegation of malicious damage, Sheriff stated that on 2nd June, the date in question, he was in Dubai and could not have committed the offence.
During cross-examination by Counsel A. J. Sesay, Sheriff gave varying accounts regarding key dates and appeared uncertain about individuals connected to the property. He denied knowing the rightful owners of the land and rejected suggestions that he had sought a share in it. He also denied authorizing the breaking of the gate, stating he had no knowledge of such instructions.
Defence Counsel J. Ansumansa informed the court that additional witnesses may be called in the next sitting. Magistrate Gbloh adjourned the matter to 1st April 2026 for further proceedings, maintaining her position on order and seriousness in the conduct of cases before her court.
