Fifty-four accused persons including Sorie Ibrahim Koroma (alias Sheik) pleaded guilty to one count charge of riotous conduct and disorderly behavior.

The charge sheet read in court indicated that the accused persons committed the offence on Friday 26 January 2018 at 104 Campbell Street in Freetown.

The first accused, Amara Kamara who is on a separate charge had no legal representation when he was docked, but  his co-accused were represented by a battery of legal luminaries headed by C.F. Edwards.

One of the accused parson’s lawyers, Pious Hemor Sesay, made an application for bail on behalf of his clients by stating that the incident leading to the arrest of his clients is very unfortunate. He further said that the accused persons are first-time offenders and ordinarily resident in Sierra Leone, adding that they have learnt their lessons and that granting bail to the accused person is an unfettered decision of the Bench.

Lawyer, Pious Hemor Sesay told the crowded court that the accused persons will not jump bail and are not flight risks. He further assured the court that the accused persons’ parents are ready and willing to stand as sureties on their behalf.

The Police Prosecutor, Superintendent Samuel Kamara however, vehemently objected to bail on the grounds that the charges preferred against the accused persons are very serious.

He noted that Sierra Leone is about to hold general elections and remanding the accused persons will serve as a warning and instill confidence in the general public that their lives and properties are safe.

After listening and digesting the submissions of both the prosecution and the defense team, Magistrate Bangura refused bail and ordered that all the accused persons be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown.