In a much-anticipated legal battle, the alleged ringleaders of the illegal Tabital Pulaaku Sierra Leone Chapter are set to appear before Justice Adrian Fisher at the High Court on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, a nonprofit organization, established in Sierra Leone and a National Chapter of the larger Tabital Pulaaku International Federation initiated legal proceedings against the defendants, namely Alhaji Mohamed Sarjoh Jalloh, commonly known as MED SAJ, Abdul Razak Bah and Abdulai Barrie. These defendants are accused of falsely claiming authority over Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone and organizing events under its name within the country.
Justice Adrian Fisher, presiding over the case, initially encouraged a conciliatory approach despite the strong legal standing of the Plaintiff (that is those that brought the case before the court), which is Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, under Sierra Leonean law. The Judge urged both parties to seek a peaceful resolution in the interest of peace and unity within the Fullah Community.
Elders and senior members of the Fullah community made earnest efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution. Meetings were convened at the Fullah Central Mosque on Magazine Cut, where the Imams unequivocally affirmed that MED SAJ and the other defendants were in the wrong. Additional meetings took place at the residence of Alhaji Monorma in Kingtom, with all relevant stakeholders striving to resolve the issues.
However, recent reports suggest that while the plaintiff and its officers exhibited a genuine commitment to lasting peace within the Fullah community, the defendants, particularly Razak Bah and Abdulai Barrie, have shown resistance and determination to continue the legal battle. Furthermore, it is reported that MED SAJ’s commitment to peace has been lukewarm, and he departed for the United States during the peace talks, designating emissaries who seem more interested in promoting personal, divisive agendas rather than pursuing peace in the Fullah community.
The defendants have engaged Legal Counsels to contest the case in court despite legal experts’ opinions that defending their position will prove challenging under Sierra Leonean law.
The matter is scheduled for a hearing before Justice Fisher on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes legal showdown.
