By Yusufu S. Bangura
Justice Manfred Sesay presiding at the Siaka Stevens Street High Court has on Friday ordered bench warrant for Aiah Komba and his surety Finda Komba.
The accused persons, Mohamed Johnson, Aiah Komba, Kalilu Fofanah, Victor Kellie and Ishmael Charles were before the court on one count of murder.
When the matter was mentioned by the court registrar, the state prosecutor, Aruna Jalloh, informed the court that the surety, Finda Komba and the accused Aiah Komba were absent in court due to an unknown reason.
He further informed the court that the state was about to bring their witness to testify in respect of the matter, but the witness was assigned to other duties out of the country, to which he promised of his return upon the next adjourned date.
He said the absence of the accused caused serious delay on the trial, and that they have also reduced the jurors to 10 so as to ensure speedy trail.
He applied that the bail condition of the remaining accused persons should be vacated.
Lawyer representing the accused persons, R. Bangura pleaded with the judge to temper Justice with mercy on the absentees.
He informed the Bench that the accused persons who are on bail treat the matter with utmost respect and seriousness, adding that they have demonstrated their individual respect.
After listening to both counsel, Justice Monfred Seasy ordered bench warrant for the surety and the absent accused and remanded the remaining accused persons to the Male Correctional Centre at Pademba Road.
The matter was adjourned to Wednesday 9th August 2023 for further hearing.
