By: Alimatu Kargbo
A bench warrant has been issued against Mohammed Sheriff and his sureties after he failed to appear before Magistrate Mary Julia Gbloh at Pademba Road Court No. 5 in Freetown.
The accused is facing four-count charges of threatening manner 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 1861.
According to the particulars of offence, Mohammed Sheriff allegedly entered the complainant’s land at Banga Farm, Sussex, in a threatening manner on 13th March 2023. On 20th April 2023, he was again accused of unlawfully entering the same land after being warned not to do so.
The prosecution further alleged that on 10th April 2024, the accused once more entered and remained on the property despite prior warnings. In addition, on 2nd June 2025, he allegedly maliciously damaged a fenced gate valued at SLE 55,000 belonging to the complainant.
When the charges were read and explained in court, no plea was taken.
Testifying before the court, prosecution witness, Umaru Tabeajutu, a carpenter, said he recognized both the complainant and the accused as neighbours. He recalled that on 23rd March 2023, he saw the accused and a woman identified as Nadia arrive at the complainant’s compound, walking around and pointing at the property. According to him, when questioned by the complainant, they refused to engage and left the scene.
He further testified that on 20th April 2023, the complainant informed him that the accused and his associate had brought surveyors onto the land. He said the complainant confronted them, but they again declined to respond and drove away.
Tabeajutu also stated that on 10th May 2024, he observed building materials, including sand and stones, being deposited on the disputed land. He advised the complainant to report the matter.
He added that on 2nd June 2025, he witnessed the accused’s younger brother, Amara, and others forcefully breaking the complainant’s gate. According to him, the group claimed they had no other means of accessing the land. He further alleged that the accused instructed them via phone call to break the gate and move the materials inside.
Following the absence of the accused in court, counsel for the complainant applied for a bench warrant.
Magistrate Gbloh granted the application and ordered that a bench warrant be issued against both the accused and his sureties.
The matter was adjourned to 25th March 2025 for further hearing.
