Gbassay Bangura, also known as Angelo, a 39-year-old teacher, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on Thursday, September 5, 2024. He faces two charges: impersonation, contrary to Section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 34 (as amended by the Personation and Uniform Act No. 13 of 1975), and unlawful possession, in violation of Section 13(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 37 (as amended by Act No. 6 of 1981).
According to the prosecution, on Sunday, August 11, 2024, in Makolloh Village, Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District, Bangura was found wearing an Operation Support Division (OSD) camouflage uniform, impersonating a member of the Sierra Leone Police without lawful authority.
The second count alleges that on the same date and location, the accused was found in possession of an OSD camouflage uniform believed to have been unlawfully obtained, property of the Sierra Leone Police.
When the charges were read and explained, Bangura pleaded not guilty. He was not represented by legal counsel.
Prosecutor Sergeant Florence M. Wilson requested an adjournment, citing the absence of her witness.
Magistrate Bangura denied bail, considering the accused to be a flight risk, and adjourned the case to September 12, 2024.
