Lebanese businessman Alie Jaffal is set to stand trial before the High Court of Sierra Leone following the lower court's establishment of a case against him for the unlawful possession of firearms.
Jaffal faces six charges, including possession of firearms without a license, control of arms without a license, unlawful concealment of arms without a license, possession of a greater number of small arms without a license, and carrying an offensive weapon without lawful authority.
During the preliminary investigation, Jaffal did not enter a plea as the prosecution presented evidence through five witnesses. The prosecution's evidence, including testimony from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mohamed Turay and analysis by a ballistic expert, indicated that Jaffal had a firearm without the required license or authority.
Additionally, video footage presented in court showed Jaffal holding a pistol at the time of the incident.
In response to a no-case submission by the defense, the magistrate ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to establish a prima facie case. The defense's arguments regarding inconsistencies in the evidence were dismissed, and the case was committed to the High Court for trial.
Bail was granted to Jaffal in the sum of SLE 200,000, with the requirement of two sureties who must be property owners with registered bank accounts and valid identity cards reflecting their addresses in Freetown.
The approval of bail was to be obtained from the Master and Registrar of the High Court.
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