By: Alimatu Kargbo
Proceedings in the ongoing trial of the Secretary General of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Lansana Dumbuya, have been adjourned to 2nd April 2026 by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown.
The adjournment followed an application by defence counsel, Africanus S. Sesay, who, on behalf of his client, informed the court that the following day marks the Eid celebration. He stated that both he and his client had made prior plans to observe the occasion, including travelling to the provinces.
Counsel added that the prosecution was aware of the significance of the Eid celebration and appealed for a short adjournment to enable the defence to return and properly proceed with the matter.
The prosecution did not object to the application.
Having heard from both sides, Magistrate Jah granted the request and adjourned the matter to 2nd April 2026 for further proceedings.
The accused, Dumbuya, is standing trial on three counts, including incitement contrary to law, insulting language contrary to Section 2 of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965, and behaving in an insulting manner contrary to Section 12(a) of the same Act as amended in 1973.
According to the particulars of offence, on Saturday 31st January 2026 at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly encouraged supporters to chant against the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio.
Prosecutors further alleged that Dumbuya led supporters in chanting words suggesting that the President stole the 2023 elections, including the phrase “Maada Bio tiffy-tiffy Jankoleeco.”
The second count states that he used insulting language at the same event, causing annoyance to the Regional Operations Officer for Freetown East, ASP Francis Momodu Tommy, while the third count alleges that he behaved in an insulting manner in a public place by encouraging the chant.
When the charges were read and explained in court, the accused pleaded not guilty.
Other members of the defence team include B. Koroma, R.S. Bangura, M.S. Bangura, and A. Madi.
