Reality TV personality Hawa Madiana Hunt is set to face trial in the High Court for allegedly making disparaging comments about President Bio and the First Lady.
This decision was reached by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Magistrate Court No. 2 in Freetown, following a 'no-case' submission by Hunt's defense team.
Hunt is charged with two counts of transmitting insulting messages via a computer system, specifically through Facebook posts made between April 1 and April 30, 2024. These posts allegedly targeted the First Lady and President Bio, resulting in public disturbance and damage to their reputations.
On January 22, 2025, Magistrate Bangura ruled against the defense's claim of insufficient evidence, determining that the necessary elements of the offense had been established, thus allowing the case to advance to the High Court.
The magistrate also addressed several defense arguments regarding jurisdiction and procedural matters, affirming that the case was appropriately before the court and that the charges against Hunt were valid.
Moreover, he stated that even if the charges had been defective, it would not have prevented the case from proceeding to the High Court for trial.
Hunt's acknowledgment of creating a video was considered a significant factor in substantiating the charges. Consequently, Magistrate Bangura rejected the 'no-case' submission and committed the case to the High Court for trial, with Hunt remaining in custody.
Following the ruling, defense counsel Rashid Dumbuya sought bail, which was contested by State Counsel Yusuf Issac Sesay. Magistrate Bangura denied the bail request, committing the case to the High Court.
In response to the ruling, Lawyer Dumbuya indicated plans to review the decision and determine the subsequent steps.
Meanwhile, Hawa Madiana Hunt appeared calm and composed, dressed in a gray designer T-shirt, and seemed assured about the outcome of the trial in the High Court.
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