A 26-year-old unemployed man, Ansu Bockarie, popularly known as “Bobson 5-0,” has been remanded in custody after allegedly attacking and attempting to rob a Catholic priest in Pendembu Town, Kailahun District.
The accused made his first appearance on Monday, 2 February 2026, before Magistrate Court No. 1, presided over by His Worship Magistrate Hadiru Daboh, where he was formally charged on five counts relating to a violent armed attack.
According to the charge sheet, Ansu Bockarie faces allegations of attempted robbery with aggravation, housebreaking, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding with intent and wounding, contrary to provisions of the Larceny Act of 1916 and the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
Police Prosecutor Sgt. 10734 David Idriss told the court that on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, the accused allegedly armed himself with a shovel and forcefully entered the St. Mary’s Parish Mission House in the Vaama Section of Pendembu Town, Upper Bambara Chiefdom, Kailahun District. The prosecution alleges that Ansu Bockarie attempted to rob Rev. Fr. James Joshua Jamiru and in the process inflicted serious injuries on the priest.
The prosecution further stated that the accused unlawfully broke into the cleric’s residence with intent to commit a felony and assaulted the victim, resulting in grievous bodily harm.
In support of its case, the prosecution tendered medical and police reports, nine witness statements, the charged statement of the accused and physical exhibits, including an old shovel and an old machete, which were presented before the court. The State indicated reliance on Section 112(b), paragraph (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1964.
After hearing the submissions, the Magistrate refused bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre.
The matter has been adjourned to 10 February 2026 for further hearing.
