By
Mariama Hamadi
Running out of patience, the presiding
Magistrate of Pademba Road Court No. 1, Hannah Bonnie has made it categorically
clear that Osman Karankay Conteh and thirty other residents of Lunsar will
remain in remand if their solicitors fail to turn up in court.
The thirty one accused persons are before her on
Preliminary Investigation for alleged murder of the nephew of Paramount Chief
Bai Koblo Queen II of Marampa Chiefdom and for setting ablaze his properties
worth over eleven billion Leones.
Shortly after the matter was mentioned yesterday
for further hearing, the Magistrate noticed that some of the defence counsels were
absent.
Responding to that, she told the accused persons
that the matter is facing undue delay because their lawyers are not cooperating
with the court.
She said the defence counsels are expected to be
in court at nine thirty in the morning to cross examine the next witness but to
no avail.
“The state is spending huge amount of money
to take care of thirty one prisoners in custody every day,” she stated.
Magistrate Bonnie further stated that the accused
persons were arraigned before her for Preliminary Investigation on the 18th
of June 2020 and have taken three months without progress.
“If counsels representing you fail to turn
up in court, you will continue to stay in prison,” she said in a steady
but firm mood.
Defense counsel for the 10, 11, and 12th Accused
persons M.Y Kanu in his submission stated that in the interest of justice, he
will like the Bench to continue with the current witness and take the next.
He said the accused persons will not continue to
be in custody because of the absence of counsels.
“My Lord, we are in a situation where justice
must be seen done, the accused persons are entitled to speedy trial but their
counsels are absent,” lawyer M.Y Kanu stated.
Defense counsel M.Y Kanu furthered that the
court cannot continue to adjourn the matter when a single counsel is holding
the court to ransom.
“If it comes to the worse, I will take over
the entire defence,” he boasted.
In conclusion, Magistrate Bonnie adjourned the
matter to Monday 23rd October, 2020, a date she expects the
Prosecution to take all its witnesses.
