The Chiefdom Speaker of Upper Bambara Chiefdom in Kailahun District, Chief Gbassay Babawo, and 24 other defendants have been remanded in custody following their appearance before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Court No. 1 in the Kenema Judicial District on eight criminal charges, including conspiracy, arson, housebreaking and larceny and the alleged unlawful reopening of a grave.
The 25 defendants are also facing allegations of malicious damage, receiving stolen property, assault and incitement, arising from a case currently before the Kenema Magistrate Court.
According to the charges presented in court, one of the allegations concerns the reopening of a grave without the supervision of a designated health officer, contrary to Section 46(1) of the Public Health Act No. 17 of 2023.
The provision regulates the reopening of graves and establishes legal requirements intended to protect public health and ensure that such activities are conducted under appropriate supervision.
The inclusion of the alleged grave reopening among the charges has introduced a public health dimension to the criminal proceedings, alongside accusations relating to property destruction, theft and other alleged unlawful activities.
Chief Gbassay Babawo, who serves as Chiefdom Speaker in Upper Bambara Chiefdom, is among the defendants required to answer the allegations before the court. His involvement has brought attention to the proceedings, particularly because of his traditional leadership position within the chiefdom.
The charges of conspiracy and incitement form part of the prosecution’s case, while the allegations of arson, housebreaking and larceny, malicious damage and receiving stolen property concern suspected offences against property.
However, the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents, including the dates, locations and extent of any reported damage or losses, were not detailed in the information made available.
The matter is being prosecuted by S.I. Davies and S.I. Watta Bakarr, who are representing the prosecution in the proceedings.
The defendants are represented by three legal practitioners, B.J. Adu, Esq., S.B.E. Sesay, Esq., and P.I. Bangura, Esq., who are expected to provide legal representation as the matter progresses through the judicial process.
During the court appearance, Magistrate Hadiru Daboh ordered that all 25 defendants be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
The decision means that Chief Gbassay Babawo and the other accused persons will remain in custody unless a subsequent court order changes their detention status.
The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, 11 November 2026, when proceedings are expected to continue before the Kenema Magistrate Court.
The next hearing is expected to provide an opportunity for further examination of the allegations and the prosecution’s case, subject to the court’s directions.
The proceedings also underscore the importance of compliance with public health legislation, particularly provisions governing the handling and reopening of graves, while highlighting the judicial process for addressing allegations involving traditional authorities and other individuals.
All 25 defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until their guilt is established by a competent court of law.
The matter continues before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh at Court No. 1 in the Kenema Judicial District.
