By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone — On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 directed senior police officers to visit Choitram Hospital at Hill Station to verify whether former Finance Minister Patricia Laverley is indeed receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Laverley, who is facing two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault, was charged with assaulting Nabella Farida Tunis on November 12, 2024, at State House in Freetown. The allegations include intentionally causing grievous bodily harm and inflicting actual bodily harm on Tunis.
The case came before the court when State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay noted that Laverley was absent, despite being charged with serious offenses. The defense, led by lawyer Ibrahim Yillah, presented a medical report from Choitram Hospital, indicating that Laverley is currently under intensive care. However, State Counsel Sesay disputed the authenticity of the medical document, claiming it was produced after the fact and without proper certification.
In response, Yillah defended the medical report, asserting that the document was later signed and stamped by the hospital staff. He emphasized that the defense takes the case seriously and that Laverley is genuinely ill, requiring oxygen support.
Magistrate Bangura, expressing concerns about the timing and authenticity of the medical document, instructed the police to visit the hospital and confirm Laverley’s condition. He warned that if Laverley is not hospitalized, a warrant for her arrest would be issued. Additionally, the sureties who presented the medical report were advised that they might face detention for misleading the court.
The defense opposed any move to rescind Laverley’s bail, citing the legitimate medical report as evidence of her hospitalization. However, Magistrate Bangura rejected the defense’s request to cancel the bail, maintaining the seriousness of the charges.
The case was adjourned to Wednesday, November 27, 2024, for further proceedings, pending the confirmation of Laverley’s health status.
