By Sahr Ibrahim Komba
28 January, 2021 (SALONE TIMES)
FREETOWN – Twenty-five year old Ishmael Kabia has explained his ordeal at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre in Freetown. Kabia made the complaint when he made his first appearance on 11th January 2021 before Justice S. A Bah of High Court in Freetown. He lamented that he was sick and his life was in danger because he always faced threats from some prison officers. He added that he was chained by some prison officers and was not allowed to move around the prison cell. He further said that other prisoners face the same thing in prison. The human rights Act of 1998 sets out the fundamental rights and freedom that everyone is entitled to. Article 3 of the said Act explains freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment (No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degradation or punishment) which the Pademba Road Correctional Center is said to have violated. Kabia is being charged for allegedly robbing one Isatu Koroma of properties estimated Thirteen Million Leone (13,000,000).
The accused appeared in court on three counts indictment ranging from assault, conspiracy and robbery with aggravation contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone. The indictment notice showed that the accused on different days between 7th and 9th July 2019 in Freetown, conspired with other people unknown to commit felony and robbery with aggravation. The indictment also showed that the accused on the same day armed with cutlass robbed Isatu Koroma one black lady’s bag valued two hundred thousand Leones and fiscal cash of ten million Leones. The accused also allegedly robbed Isatu Koroma one Samsung galaxy 5 mobile phone valued at two million four hundred thousand Leones including other items total 13 million Leones. The accused also allegedly assaulted Aminata Kanu with intention to rob her.
One of the prison officers denied the allegations and said that the accused is the most uncontrollable person in the cell.
Justice Bah admonished the prison officers present to treat all inmates well and to also respect their human rights. Justice Bah further said that anyone can find him or herself in such a position because no condition is permanent. He further admonished the accused person to behave well and be kind to the prison officers. The accused remained in custody and the matter was adjourned to the 18th January 2021.
