On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Justice Tonia Barnett of the Appeal Court dismissed cybercrime charges against reality TV star Hawa Madina Hunt, which were related to alleged offenses against First Lady Fatima Bio and President Julius Maada Bio. The court also mandated the return of Hunt's Canadian and Sierra Leonean passports.
Hunt faced two charges under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021, Act No. 7 of 2021, for allegedly transmitting insulting messages via a computer system. She had been detained for several months prior to her release.
The charges indicated that between April 1 and April 30, 2024, Hunt purportedly used her Facebook account to post derogatory messages intended to insult the First Lady and the President. These posts, disseminated on social media, were alleged to have been intended to harm their reputations, provoke unrest, and incite public concern.
Upon her arraignment, Hunt entered a plea of not guilty.
Lead Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay informed the court of the prosecution's decision to present no further evidence against Hunt and requested the case be dismissed. He cited Section 66(4)(C) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which permits the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to discontinue a case at any stage before judgment.
The case took this unexpected turn after the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Bio, released a video outlining her grievances against Madina Hunt, stemming from years of personal attacks.
She debunked involvement in Hunt's arrest and concluded by appealing for her release.
Sources suggest that the release resulted from increasing pressure from international partners, particularly from Hunt's other country of citizenship.
The DPP, Osman Kanu, expressed the intention to cease proceedings in The State versus Hawa Madiana Hunt, leading the prosecutor to request the judge to approve the dismissal.
Defense Counsel Rashid Dumbuya thanked the DPP and the Attorney General’s office for withdrawing the charges. He requested that the judge order the return of Hunt's travel documents, which were held by the Criminal Investigation Department.
Justice Barnett noted that the case had not been fully heard, as this was Hunt's initial court appearance. She clarified that the defense should seek a discharge rather than an acquittal, as the case had not been thoroughly examined by the High Court.
State Counsel Sesay indicated that the prosecution would not oppose the defense's request as long as it did not result in injustice.
After considering both sides, the judge discharged Hunt and ordered the return of her travel documents.
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