Unauthorized Occupants Hinder Freetown City Council's Demolition Efforts

Three illegal occupants have been accused of disruptive behavior as officials from the Freetown City Council attempted to enforce a demolition order on their unlawfully occupied properties, resulting in on-site tensions.

The individuals, Sulaiman Bangura, Amid Jalloh, and Hawa Mohamed Bangura, appeared before Magistrate Shar Kekura at Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1, and were remanded in custody.

During the court proceedings, only Sulaiman Bangura and Amid Jalloh were present, while Hawa Mohamed Bangura was notably absent. Consequently, the charges against the two present were not read or explained.

Prosecutor ASP Ibrahim Mansaray subsequently requested a bench warrant for Hawa Bangura's arrest, which Magistrate Kekura granted.

Inspector Kabba Conteh was brought in by the prosecutor to testify regarding the demolition operation. When questioned by Magistrate Kekura about whether the council had obtained a court order to execute their demolition duties, Conteh admitted he was unaware of any such order, stating he only had authorization from the council.

He further revealed that a request for assistance had been sent to the Sierra Leone Police, but they proceeded with the demolition without waiting for a response.

Magistrate Kekura emphasized the necessity of having police officers accompany demolition operations, highlighting that the Metropolitan Police, while serving the Freetown City Council, have limited powers.

He stressed that involving the Sierra Leone Police is crucial in such matters to maintain public order and uphold the law.

Magistrate Kekura also noted that had the council adhered to legal protocols, the accused might not have felt compelled to resist the demolition efforts. He insisted that armed police should always accompany council teams during such operations for their protection and to prevent disorder.

After critiquing the Metropolitan Police for their procedural missteps, Magistrate Kekura remanded the accused to custody, with the case scheduled for continuation on March 28, 2025.