By Mamajah Jalloh
Fifty-five-year-old businessman, Mohamed Ansumana Dabeneh, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of the Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.
The matter was heard on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and the defendant is facing five counts relating to the alleged unlawful possession, custody and control of arms and ammunition.
The charges include possession of arms without a licence, possession of ammunition without a licence, custody of arms without a licence, custody of ammunition without a licence, and control of ammunition without a licence, contrary to Section 22(1) of the Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition Act, 2023 (Act No. 24 of 2023).
According to the particulars of the offence, on Friday, August 14, 2026, at No. 1 Kaikai Drive, Jui, in the Western Area of Freetown, the defendant was allegedly found in possession of arms without lawful authority.
Count two alleged that the defendant was found in possession of ammunition without lawful authority.
Count three stated that the defendant was found in custody of arms without lawful authority, while count four alleged that he was found in custody of ammunition without lawful authority.
The fifth count alleged that the defendant was found in control of ammunition without lawful authority.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Kadie M. Taylor, informed the court that she had served the defence counsel with copies of the case and inquiry files.
Defence counsel, I. Fofanah Esq., confirmed receipt of the inquiry file and applied for bail on behalf of his client pursuant to Section 76(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
Counsel argued that the defendant was not a flight risk and would not interfere with prosecution witnesses. He further told the court that the defendant had reliable sureties willing to enter into recognisance on his behalf.
However, the magistrate refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offences charged.
The matter was adjourned to September 9, 2026, for further proceedings.
