At the ongoing preliminary investigation involving one of Sierra Leone’s hip hop rappers, Alhaji Amadu Bah aka LAJ and Mohamed Massaquoi aka Big Fish, Magistrate Herbert Davies Cole yesterday denied bail to Big Fish who was charged with manslaughter and LAJ was released on bail for a road traffic offence.
LAJ was charged with five count charges ranging from dangerous driving, driving without a license, driving an uninsured vehicle among others, whilst Big Fish was charged with seven count charges ranging from motor manslaughter, dangerous driving, among others.
Dressed in white T-shirt and black jeans and red snickers and holding a red handkerchief, LAJ stood inside the dock with hands behind his back and listened attentively to back and forth arguments between his defense lawyers and the prosecution team.
Assistant Superintendent of Police R.P.G. Robert, who deputized prosecution lawyer M.B. Kamara, suggested a date for an adjournment because the prosecution was thinking of taking another line of action on the said matter and also have all their witnesses ready.
Leon Jenkins Johnston lawyer for LAJ vehemently objected to the application stating that as Defense counsel he is ready to continue with the matter. He noted that the prosecution had applied for adjournment in the previous hearing on assurance that they will bring all their witnesses to court, which he said they have failed to do.
He therefore applied for bail for his client assuring of him having credible and reliable sureties who are ready to stand in on his behalf. He advanced the point that the accused deserves a fair trial and that he should not be deprived his right to the basics of life since he has been in custody for twelve days now.
Magistrate Davies Cole granted bail to LAJ in the sum of Le10, 000, 000 (Ten million Leones) with one surety to be approved by the Deputy Registrar.
Likewise, lawyer for Big Fish, Tommy Harding applied for bail for Big Fish, charged with the offence of manslaughter among others.
In response to the bail application for Big Fish, ASP Robert strongly opposed to bail stating that the offence for which the accused stands charged is a very serious crime.
Magistrate Davies Cole upheld ASP Robert’s submission and denied the bail application for Big Fish. The matter was adjourned to mid day today.
Meanwhile, both LAJ and Big Fish were also arraigned in court for the previous charges which ranged from unlawful possession of fire arm, riotous conduct, among others. The prosecution is yet to serve the defense with all necessary documents relating to the case. The matter was adjourned to 31st January this year.
By Alhaji M Kamara