Vote Aminata Kane, Orange SL First Woman CEO

October 27, 2020

Aminata Kane Orange SL first woman CEO and the youngest person to occupy that position have been nominated for the ArficaCom awards.

The hard work of the Orange SL team is recognized as it tells a positive story about Sierra Leone and Senegal. The model of combining business and social development and the empowerment of Africa is truly working. You can be a young woman juggling family and work life and lead a major company like Orange SL without having to choose.

Orange has nominated Aminata Kane among the top 5 CEOs from across Africa this year award. We are counting on al Sierra Leoneans to vote for her as she is representing Sierra Leone.

Please vote here https://bit.ly/34f0wm5

As Orange Money ‘Shorki Love’ Gains Momentum… Orange Money Dishes Out Le39 Million to First Set of Winners

October 26, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In crystallizing its promise to put smiles on the faces of its valued and esteemed customers across the country, Orange Money, which is an appendage of Orange-Sierra Leone, on Saturday 24^th October, 2020 dished out Thirty-Nine Million Leones (Le39M) to its first set of winners of their “Orange Money Shorki Love” promotion during a live TV event that was hosted by Martha & Saio The Comedian at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) at New England Ville in Freetown.

The first set of winners were Rugiatu Conteh from Rokel Community, a cookery seller, who was the first winner bagging Le1Million, Susan Kamara from Makeni, a student, who won Le3 Million, Sarah from Tree Plating in Freetown a student of FBC, who had access to the “Shoki Love” Box and won Le8 Million, Abdul a student won Le5 Million, Arthur from Kossoh Town, a worker, won Le3 Million, Abu-Bakarr Bangura from Kono won Le2 Million, Michael A. Sesay from Freetown, a Teacher, who won Le5 Million, Umu Jeneba Marrah from Makeni a student won Le2 Million and the last lucky winner for that week won Le10 Million.

This “Orange Money Shorki Love” promotion is part of the company’s end of year promotion which was disclosed at an event held at its Bo District Office which offers 3 Billion Leones as winning prizes including 5 Brand New Cars to be won as grand prizes.

Orange-Sierra Leone is a telecommunications company in the country which cares for its subscribers and is very determined to change their lives by offering them improved standards of living. It was against such a backdrop that the company decided to launch the promotion with the strong conviction that it will improve lives at a moment like this when the coronavirus is having a heavy toll on the country’s economy.

Subscribers are encouraged to grab the opportunity by conducting financial transactions using Orange Money which will definitely qualify them to win the aforementioned attractive prizes.

It must be reiterated at this juncture that the promotion is geared towards making the company’s Orange Money customers happy, richer and above all feel empowered as they will have the opportunity to win 3 Billion Leones worth of prizes on a weekly basis including 5 Brand New Cars to be won as the grand prizes at the end of the promotion.

To qualify for the “Orange Money Shorki Love” promotion subscribers must be registered to Orange Money and need to conduct transactions using Orange Money, like sending money, cashing in, paying for EDSA or DSTV, buy airtime or data bundles from 15th October to January 2020 which will put them at vantage positions to get a chance to win those attractive prizes.

Government to Sign Lungi Bridge Construction Project in November

October 26, 2020

By Simche Malinji Williams

Sadique Sillah, Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, on the 22^nd October 2020 has divulged that the SLPP led Government would sign the contract for the construction of the Lungi bridge in November this year.

He made that disclosure during a Press Conference convened by the Ministry of Information and Communications at its Youyi Building Conference room in Freetown.

The Deputy Minister further revealed that before now there was no fleet vehicle policy clearly categorizing which civil servant should get which type of vehicle, maintenance and disposal of such vehicles.

He said since the city is now over-congested and the movement of people and goods has become problematic, the Ministry would soon launch a pilot project to move people and good enmasse through a corridor to be created from Waterloo in the far East to Number 2 River in the far West of the city assuring that research has proven that people and goods can be moved in record time as there would be free flow of traffic on the corridor.

According to him 100 air-conditioned buses with WIFI would soon be purchased for the pilot project.

The Deputy Minister also disclosed that the pilot project would be extended to other parts of the country and that potential passengers would buy tickets for a certain period, that the buses would be run on a cost-recovery basis and not for profit making as it is the social responsibility of Government to move people and goods to improve on the free quality education as well as the workforce.

He also informed that the United States Coast Guards have validated the Sierra Leone seaport, that plans are underway for Government to construct another seaport in the South of the country as the current one is congested, that the project would improve the fishing and marine sectors saying Government is accountable to the people and would subject itself to international auditing.

According to the Deputy Minister, Sierra Leone’s topography is between 30-35% riverine and therefore requires sea transportation asserting that construction of the Mamamah Airport is not a priority and that Government would modernize the current outdated landing sites for ferries for which serious negotiations are ongoing with investors on a Private Pubic Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

On air transportation, Sadique Sillah said Government is on top of the global corona virus pandemic, that although people need air transport service, it is not profitable although there is need to improve on it, that the sector has been rated 18%, that internal flights would soon commence at Hastings Airfield as talks are ongoing with investors, that passenger terminals and overpasses would also be constructed by Pavi Fort but assured that Government would not put the private sector out of business.

He continued that Government would by the end of this November sign the contract for the purchase of 200 buses with two for VIPs, that private commercial transport owners would be formed into cooperatives and profits shared with Government by percentages asserting that Government wants to enhance the capacity of the private sector, that the Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation would be transformed to a regulator and that courses related to the transport sector would soon be offered at Fourah Bay College concluding that a feasibility study would shortly be conducted for the introduction of the railway which he said was phased out for political reasons.

Earlier, the Senior Information Officer in the Ministry of Information, Mr. Solomon Rogers gave an update of Government’s activities and also welcomed all to the Press Conference while the question and answer session climaxed the event.

CSOs Call for Immediate Reinstatement of Expunged Members of Parliament

October 26, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

Certain Civil Society Organisations have expressed grave concern about recent happenings in Parliament, especially those relating to the suspension of four Members including Hon. Hindolo Moiwo Ngevao, an anti-corruption whistle-blower, from participating in Parliamentary Committee proceedings even without having found them culpable of any wrongdoing.

They maintained that such a decision to suspend them is not only atrocious for any collective effort to strengthen democratic governance, but it also sends a very unfortunate message about Parliament’s attitude towards persons who raise their voices for accountability and institutional integrity.

It was cited that a press statement dated 20th October, 2020 issued by the Department of Public Relations of the Parliament of Sierra Leone stated as follows:

“Four Hon. Members of Parliament have been committed to the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges and Ethics for investigation, pending approval by the House for complaints relating to intimidation and verbal abuse, indecent and derogatory text messages, unverified corruption allegation against Parliament on BBC Focus on Africa and alleged arm-twisting by the leadership of Parliament resulting in resignation…”

The concern CSO pointed out that ironically, the same statement pointed out that “…the following Members of Parliament so referred are presumed innocent until proven otherwise by the said Committee’s investigation and recommendations.

They continued that while it may be within the powers of Parliament to inquire into the general conduct of the Members of Parliament, they as CSOs fail to see the legal basis for hurriedly suspending elected officials from performing their functions especially for whistleblowing on corruption.

According to them it is simply unjust and profoundly repugnant to all the guarantees of due process and presumption of innocence enshrined in the country’s 1991 Constitution.

“Corruption is pervasive and remains a major impediment to our collective effort to address poverty and deliver basic social and economic services, despite the best efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone and its partners,” they asserted.

It is, therefore, quite worrying, it was stated, that the leadership of Parliament has reacted angrily to public opinion on corruption and went further to punish MPs either for expressing their views about corruption in Parliament or complaining about attempts by the leadership of Parliament to scupper their efforts to address the scourge.

They expressed shock to learn that even before the Committee on Ethics and Privileges complete investigation of the misdemeanors the MPs and the public are unanimously complaining about how Parliament has turn round to punish the whistle-blowers by suspending them from their committees.

The Civil Society Organizations stated how they are particularly concerned that arm-twisting and unjustly punishing MPs for whistle-blowing on corruption will in turn discourage ordinary citizens who want to report corruption.

To them it is worrying, as recent (2020) studies by the Afrobarometer show that 61% of citizens fear the risk of retaliation for reporting corruption.

They said under the circumstances, the Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of all the political parties represented in Parliament are urged to immediately take steps to re-instate all parliamentary entitlements and privileges to the affected Parliamentarians.

The Civil Society Organizations further urged the leadership of Parliament to demonstrate more commitment in the fight against corruption by protecting persons who speak up against the scourge – rather than punishing or suppressing their voices.

“We stand ready to support Parliament in deepening the culture of accountability and integrity in Sierra Leone,” they concluded.

The Civil Society Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations include: ActionAid Sierra Leone, Amnesty International – Sierra Leone, Budget Advocacy Network (BAN),Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), Center for Accountability and the Rule of Law (CARL), Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDHR), Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN), Foundation for Rural and Urban Transformation (FoRUT), Human Rights Defenders Network, Institute for Governance Reform (IGR, the 50/50, Group Sierra Leone, National Advocacy Coalition on Extractives (NACE), Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD),Peace Africa Alliance Consulting Education and Training Centre (PACET), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Society for Democratic Initiatives (SDI) and West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Sierra Leone.

NP-SL Still Continues to Bag Accolades for Effective Service Delivery

October 26, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone-Limited, recognized as the country’s leading oil marketing company in the country, has been commended for its steadfastness in service delivery of high standard petroleum products which it imports and markets. These include petrol, diesel and gas.

Due to good managerial decisions, the company has been doing extremely and exemplary well in terms of always ensuring the availability of those products in a timely manner which makes it possible for individuals to have ready access to them. It is no secret that the seriousness of the company, with regards ambitiously striving towards reaching the pinnacle within the business landscape not only in this country but far beyond, has heightened the confidence of its business partners to continue business relationships.

For such an important company to continue to thrive it is but very prudent on the part of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, the Bank of Sierra Leone and other commercial banks to give it the maximum attention and support it needs in the company’s bid to do foreign exchange transactions.

It has gone down the annals of history that the company is impressively one of the most successful indigenous entities that is sustainably forging ahead when others have collapsed for a variety of reasons.

A marked reality of the company’s viability is evident in its opening of branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, The Gambia and in all of those places it is providing qualitative customer care services to residents, making it a prime priority.

It has been established that NP has been meaningfully contributing to economic growth through payment of taxes and rolling out meaningful interventions in the discharge of its Corporate Social Responsibility which are transforming lives and improving communities.

The company has gained reputation for offering different jobs to Sierra Leoneans throughout the country where it is operating and this has helped in improving standards of living.

NP-SL gives preference to Sierra Leoneans with regards offering jobs, a clear indication that it is strictly poised towards adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Utilizing local talents makes it possible for indigenes to imbibe useful knowledge and skills through training exercises that could be applicable in other places.

The company has one of the best cooking gadgets, known as NP Gas that offers suitability for cooking purposes. There are different cylinder sizes and they could be located at all the filling stations of the company and also accessed from authorized agents or dealers.

In this digital age, moving away from the traditional way of transacting business has now become the norm. It is along such a line that it was thought wise on the part of the shareholders and Management to introduce the use of smart cards. With these cards, customers can procure petroleum products of whatever quantity they do desire.

“Using NP smart card always makes transactions very easy and convenient for me,” a prominent entrepreneur informed.

For its solid service delivery to its numerous and esteemed customers right across the country, the company over the years, has gained widespread recognition and admiration evident in bagging awards from different organizations.

NP is really promoting efficient service delivery, contributing positively to the socio-economic development of the country but it must be reiterated that contractual business agreements must be strictly adhered to by other parties so that such an important company will continue to operate unfettered.

RAIC & SLAJ School Journalists on Freedom of Information Law

October 26, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

With the avowed objective to promote access to information and open data through proactive disclosure of information by public authorities, the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) on Friday 23^rd October, 2020 conducted a Training of Trainers workshop for journalists on the Freedom of Information Law, an event which was held at the Family Kingdom Resort, Aberdeen in Freetown.

In his statement, the Chairman of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw disclosed that the RAIC Act came into existence in 2013, being an Act to provide for the disclosure of information held by public authorities or by persons providing services for them and to provide for other related matters. He added that the Commission has a clear mandate to make information available to the masses by increasing the supply of open data to a possible extent.

The Chairman furthered that in a similar manner RAIC is poised to improve on data accessibility by the masses and to make them aware of what rights they have in gaining such access to information stating that it is against such a backdrop that they decided to organize such a workshop for journalists as they are very key in terms of proactive disclosure of information by public authorities.

Chairman of the Independent Media Commission, George S. Khoryama, said that the training was timely as it came in the wake of the Repeal of Part V of the Criminal Libel Law and the enactment into law of the new IMC Act 2020, adding that the IMC, as the regulator of the Media, is now more pre-occupied with the prospect of a responsible Press.

George S. Khoryama pointed out that the training of such a nature is very important in fulfilling the expectations of the new IMC Act 2020 and the Media Code of Practice.

“Until you travel that is when you could realize that media institutions in this country are poor. The media is poor financially, professionally, technically and ethically and only a training of this sort could help to mitigate the militating effects on media growth,” he opined.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Information & Communications, Hon. Boston Munda, disclosed that access to information plays a critical role and enables citizens to hold Government accountable, adding that as a Committee in Parliament their role is to overseer the Commission’s activities.

He noted that access to information is necessary to have a clear understanding about what Government is doing and holding it accountable.

He reassured of their commitment to the Commission, disclosing how they will continue to support the Commission in order for it to roll out its mandate.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Mamadi Gobeh Kamara, expressed appreciation to the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) for playing such a tremendous role in supporting State institutions and non-state actors in the country to promote transparency, accountability and good governance.

She mentioned that to facilitate the Right to Know the Ministry of Information led the formulation and passage into law the Right to Access Information Commission Act 2013, adding that such a fundamental right plays a pivotal role in empowering citizens and giving equal opportunity to all.

She noted that as a Government they are cognizant of the reality that freedom of information is an indispensable aspect of democratic societies in which citizens are availed the right to be informed about quality decisions, actions of Government and the conduct of Government functionaries.

She encouraged journalists to use the Right to Access Information law to access credible and reliable information from public authorities.

With Housemates Salone Building Momentum… First Lady to Enter the House

October 26, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

According to a reliable source, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, will on the 31st October 2020 pay a courtesy visit to the Housemates who are currently competing in the ongoing Housemate Salone Season 2.

When in the House, the First Lady would engage the Housemates on her flagship project, “Hands-Off Our Girls”. Besides, she will also encourage them to put on their best performances and furthermore admonish them to put the country in the spotlight for all the good reasons.

It could be recalled that on the 25^th October 2020 eviction of certain Housemates took place leaving others to continue to compete in the Reality TV Show that is watched by many in and out of the country.

During a random survey recently undertaken by this news medium to gauge the views of a cross section of Sierra Leoneans relating to the ongoing Housemates Salone programme, what came out glaringly was that many have commended the pace and style at which the Reality TV Show is going.

Some even went to the extent of copiously heaping praises on the organizers, Africell and the Africa Young Voices Media Empire for what they described as a state of the art House in which the Housemates are currently battling for the eye catching sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le 250M) prize and undertake a round trip to Dubai.

Based on what this medium gathered most expressed admiration over the way and manner in which the House was carefully built and designed to befit such an interesting entertainment competition saying the architectural style is really superb.

It must be noted that according to how the reality show is tailored, the Housemates are expected to display innate talents bordering on creativity, using strong language, displaying humour and nudity all which must captivate the populace and excite them in order to move them to vote for the Housemates they consider are fit and capable to reach the very top.
Interestingly, during a particular stage of the Show, based on the percentage of votes scored by a particular Housemate, such will determine whether he or she will be either evicted from the House or make it to the grand finale. As the show progresses, evictions will continue until the ultimate winner emerges.

Housemates Salone is all about Youth Empowerment. When the successful Housemates are in the House they will be assigned to perform certain tasks that will shape their characters, they will be availed the opportunity to learn new skills, improve on existing ones. They will also be emotionally tested, afforded the space to find panacea to certain human problems and do a host of other things.

Furthermore, the Housemates will benefit from widespread exposure as the Show will be watched near and far. Talents will be spotted and vistas of opportunities could be opened as some of the Housemates would be earmarked to become Brand Ambassadors, movie artists, models etc.

The visit by the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, will definitely add flavour to the Reality TV Show.

Pres Bio Commissions NaCSA Constructed School in Gbinti

October 26, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On the 23rd October, 2020, President Julius Maada Bio commissioned a newly constructed Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood (SLMB) Primary School in Gbinti, Dibia Chiefdom, Karene District in the North-Western Region of Sierra Leone.

The SLMB Primary School, as part of 30 infrastructure sub-projects, was done by the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA).

President Bio said the best investment to give to any child is education, adding that his Government has decided not only to build schools in Freetown, but in all the villages of Sierra Leone, thereby enabling children to go to school no matter where they find themselves.

According to him, quality education cannot go without food and good health, noting that such was why his Government has been also building health centers, providing ambulance services and the best drugs to those centers, and also enhancing local food production.

“Gbinti alone has two schools, with furniture, electricity powered by solar energy, water facility and quarters for the head teachers. We want the people to take ownership of these accomplished projects,” he said.

He warned parents not to support their children to cheat in examinations, while calling on everyone to sacrifice today in developing the nation and enjoy tomorrow.

NaCSA’s Commissioner, Abu Bockarie Kokofele, said the 30 infrastructure sub-projects were funded by President Bio’s Government with support from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), adding that these projects were done in nine districts and 14 chiefdoms in Sierra Leone.

“NaCSA had advertised the rehabilitation of 310 kilometers of feeder roads nationwide and we provided the sum of 70,000 Euros each to local councils for the maintenance of those feeder roads. The institution had also constructed 10 grain stores in the country, which will enable farmers to store their grains after harvest,” he explained.

He disclosed that with support from President Bio’s Government, during this COVID-19 pandemic, NaCSA provided food and physical cash to 10,000 persons with disability (PWDs), and cash to 29,000 petty traders across the country so as to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic on them.

The NaCSA boss said his institution has constructed 11 primary schools with modern facilities, 11 community health posts, 10 VIP toilets, disclosing that nine of those projects were funded by the Government of Sierra Leone.

First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, said any Government that prioritizes education is a serious one, noting that the people should send their children to school to acquire education especially when this Government has declared a free quality education.

She warned against rape, domestic violence and other sexual offences, while calling on parents and community authorities to report any of these happenings within their localities.

Westminster Boosts Lungi Airport With Sanitary Gate

October 26, 2020

Minister Kallon going through the sanitizing tunnel to prove its safety

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Westminster Aviation Security Services (WASS) has donated a Sanitary Gate worth thousands of pounds to the Freetown International Airport at Lungi on Thursday 23rd October, 2020.

Board Chairman of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority (SLAA), Edward Lebbie Williams, who chaired the meeting, said the gesture was one of its kinds and the Government appreciated it very much.

Talking about the Sanitary Gate, the Country Manager Musayeroh Barrie averred that the donation is in fulfilment of her company’s commitment to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation in June this year.

Miss Barrie noted that as new cases of COVID 19 lingers in the West; the aviation security outfit deems it expedient to make significant contributions to the fight against the importation of the virus through the country’s only Gateway via air transport.

“The Sanitary Gate will enhance passenger confidence to travel to the country and build on our expected air traffic recovery for our common growth. And this is a tunnel that is going to be a model for many countries in the world. This Sanitizing Tunnel meets the WHO specifications and will bring passenger confidence in the country.”

The acting General Manager of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority Jack Massaquoi expressed thanks and appreciation to the British Aviation Security firm for such an impressive impact they have brought to the airport.

“I am encouraging other players in the sector to emulate such donations and join hands to support the airport particularly during this pandemic”.

Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Moses Tiffa Baio, said that the donation from WASS is considered as a promise made and a promise delivered.

The DG expressed gratitude on behalf of the Sierra Leone aviation industry and expressed hope that the Sanitizing Tunnel will effectively serve the traveling public.

“The arrival of WASS has added value to our aviation security standards as evident in the recent Apex security audit of the airport”. Baio added that WASS has been working closely with SLCAA and State Security Organizations to enhance airport security by providing a level of expertise which has brought the country’s aviation security to international standards.

Commissioning the Sanitary Gate the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon thanked WASS and disclosed that the equipment is the first in West Africa sub-region and Sierra Leone is amongst a handful of countries that is using it around the world.

“The gains we have made so far in the COVID-19 fight can be sustainable with our constant investment in health technology and our compliance to aviation health guidelines. This novel technology will boost both passenger and airline confidence and will help combat the spread of the virus in the country,” he said.

The Sanitary Gate adds to the number of health precautionary measures available in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. A sanitary gate is a tested, safe and effective method to sanitize people and objects in five seconds, killing up to 90 percent of pathogen microbes.

Head of Managed Service Division for the Westminster Group and Trustee of the Westminster Foundation , Joanna Fowler, said Westminster is delighted to be able to offer its support to the Government of Sierra Leone with the donation of a Sanitization Tunnel to the Sierra Leone Airport Authority. The aim of this donation is to assist with the efforts to suppress the COVID 19 pandemic and make Freetown International Airport (FNA) a safer environment.

“The Sanitisation Tunnel is just one of the defence mechanisms that have been put in place at Lungi airport to help stop the spread of the virus. If we all work together and remain vigilant, we can look forward to a return to normal levels of operations in 2021.”

She said the donation was made through Westminster Foundation which is the charitable arm of The Westminster Group PLC. The Westminster Foundation has been actively supporting charitable causes in Sierra Leone for many years including donations of food and stable commodities during the lockdown in the early stages of the COVID pandemic outbreak in Sierra Leone.

The Foundation also provided support during the Ebola Crisis and continues to work with many local projects providing funding and equipment wherever it can.

“The COVID 19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on the aviation industry worldwide and the Westminster Group have been at the forefront of the fight to return businesses back to work both in the UK and Worldwide. This is why we wanted to assist Lungi Airport in giving its stakeholders and passengers some reassurance that steps are being taken to protect its staff and passengers alike”.

“We have been part of the Lungi family now for many years and we will stand together in the fight against COVID just as we did during the EBOLA crisis. The world is united in its fight against this pandemic. Together we are stronger and together we will suppress this virus”

Legal Aid Board Reunites Recalcitrant Son & Aggrieved Mother

October 26, 2020

By Esther Wright

Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, Executive Director of Legal Aid Board, on Tuesday, 20 October 2020 reconciled a client of the scheme, Abdul Rahman Bangura, 30, and his mother Zainab Koroma. The union followed his discharge by the Court on the same date.

The usual post-discharge briefing ceremony for newly released clients took place at the Head Office of the Legal Aid Board in Freetown. Abdul was accompanied by his eleven-year old daughter and relatives including his mother, sister, junior brother, mother-In-law and brother-in-law.

Abdul had been rejected by his mother Zainab Koroma who was the complainant in the matter for which he was charged to court. This means Abdul had no home to return to following his discharge. With the intervention of the Board both parties were reconciled and as such Abdul was free to return home.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles admonished Abdul to be law abiding, respect her mother and other relatives, seek help with his addiction and find something to do even if it means volunteering to acquire skills. “I will contact our partner to see if they can be of help,” she said. She appealed to the mother to accept her son back home and help him to become independent.

The mother, Zainab, said she had endured several abuses, intimidations and threats directed at her person by her son. Zainab described her son as a drug addict and someone who was misled by his peers and therefore misbehaves quite a lot especially when he is hungry. “He will come home and demand food from me and will misbehave when it is not provided,” his mother said.

The mother reported the matter to the Police after Abdul threatened to kill her if she does not bring back home his daughter. The mother of his daughter had taken custody of the child. Abdul was angry about this and had blamed his mother Zainab for what had happened and therefore gave her an ultimatum to bring back his daughter.

Abdul’s mother reported the matter to the Adelaide Street Police station. He spent 19 days in police cell during the investigations and the matter was charged to court in September 2018. He was remanded at the Pademba Road Correctional Center on September 2019 until 20 October 2020 when he was discharged by Justice Komba Kamanda because the prosecution had offered no evidence in his trial. This is despite over two-years on remand with forty adjournments most on the request of the prosecution.