Court Drama as Magistrate Leaves Without Formal Adjournment in Dumbuya Bail Matter
By: James Kamara-Manneh
Tension gripped Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 on Monday, 16 February, after Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah abruptly left the courtroom without formally adjourning the ongoing matter between the State and Lansana Dumbuya, Secretary General of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
The case, which had been adjourned to Monday for continuation of bail arguments, attracted a large crowd of APC supporters, lawyers, and senior party officials who gathered in anticipation of securing bail for Dumbuya, who has been in custody since last week.
Before proceedings commenced, Magistrate Jah reportedly announced that he would only allow 15 defence counsel and two state counsel to be present in the courtroom, citing overcrowding concerns. In a firm tone, he warned that failure to comply with his directive would result in the matter being adjourned.
The courtroom was packed to capacity, with armed police officers stationed both inside and outside the premises amid heightened security. Observers described the atmosphere as tense.
Shortly thereafter, the Magistrate retired to his chambers and did not return to formally continue or adjourn the case, leaving lawyers and party supporters uncertain about the next court date.
The bail hearing drew significant attention within APC ranks. Several senior lawyers and flag bearer aspirants were present, including Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), Ady Macauley, Omrie Golley, and Africanus Sesay. Acting APC Chairman Amb. Osman Foday Yansaneh, Hon. Chericoco, and other national and regional party officials also attended in solidarity.
Senior lawyer Sulaiman Borbor Kabba, who led the defence team during the initial bail application, was reportedly on his way to court at the time of the incident. Current and former Members of Parliament were also in attendance.
Speaking to party supporters, Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh described the development as “disrespectful to democracy” and called on the judiciary to uphold fairness and due process. Other senior party figures, including Lawyer Joseph F. Kamara and Dr. Richard Konteh, reportedly characterized the Magistrate’s action as unprecedented and called for what they termed a fair and transparent hearing.
Supporters maintain that the charges against Dumbuya relate to alleged incitement and public insult offences which legal analysts say are bailable under Sierra Leonean law.
As of the time of reporting, no formal adjournment had been announced, leaving the defence team and supporters uncertain about when the matter will resume. Legal observers note that formal adjournments are typically recorded to ensure clarity on subsequent court appearances.
The situation adds another layer of political sensitivity to the on-going proceedings involving a senior official of the main opposition party, with both supporters and critics closely watching developments in the case.
The court is yet to issue an official statement clarifying the next date of hearing.
