By Mamajah Jalloh
Three individuals, Hussein Antar, Jamal Antar, and Sulaiman Barrie, faced Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No.2 on Monday, September 3, 2024, for their alleged involvement in the illegal transportation and stockpiling of chemical weapons. The defendants were charged with thirty counts including conspiracy, providing funds for chemical weapons transportation, possession of arms manufacturing materials, and perverting the course of justice.
The indictment states that Hussein Antar, a 65-year-old businessman, along with Jamal Antar, 65, and Sulaiman Barrie, 25, also a businessman, conspired between October 1, 2023, and July 9, 2024, to unlawfully transport and stockpile chemical weapons without the necessary licenses. Specifically, Hussein Antar is accused of providing funds to Samuel Marrah for the unlawful transport of these weapons from Queen Elizabeth II Quay to Madina Community, Waterloo.
The charges further allege that the accused conspired to import arms manufacturing materials and prohibited drugs into Sierra Leone without lawful authority. The defendants are also accused of aiding and abetting each other in these illegal activities.
During the court proceedings, the third accused, Sulaiman Barrie, fell ill in the police lockup and was seen in a distressed state. His mother was visibly upset as he collapsed from the bench. His defense counsel, Daniel Koroma, argued that Barrie suffers from a serious kidney condition and presented medical documentation from 34 Medical Hospital to support this claim.
Yusuf Isaac Sesay Esq. requested amendments to the charges, citing repetitions in the counts. The court agreed to revise the charge sheet to reflect thirty-two counts. The defense also sought access to the prosecution’s evidence and requested bail for the accused, citing their good character and reliable sureties.
Magistrate Bangura denied bail, citing the gravity of the charges and public interest. The matter was adjourned to September 9, 2024, for further proceedings.
