In a case that has captured widespread public interest, two Lebanese nationals, Hussein Antar and Jamal Antar, have been remanded in custody in Sierra Leone on serious charges of importing bomb-making materials.
The case, which also involves a Sierra Leonean co-accused, Sulaiman
Barrie, was brought before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court
No. 2 on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
The three defendants face a total of thirty charges, including conspiracy, illegal importation and possession of arms manufacturing materials, aiding and abetting criminal activities, and attempting to obstruct justice.
They are also accused of funding the
transportation and stockpiling of chemical weapons without proper
authorization.
According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly conspired between October 2023 and July 2024 to smuggle bomb-making materials into Sierra Leone.
The charge sheet details that 65-year-old businessman
Hussein Antar and his unemployed co-defendant, Jamal Antar, also 65, allegedly
financed the unlawful movement of these materials.
The prosecution asserts that these materials were transported from the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown to a residence in the Madina community of Waterloo.
In addition to the arms-related charges, the
prosecution alleges that the defendants illegally imported prohibited drugs
during the same period, further compounding the seriousness of the case.
The proceedings took a dramatic turn when the
third defendant, 25-year-old Sulaiman Barrie, collapsed in the courtroom due to
an illness. This incident prompted a visibly emotional reaction from his
mother, who was present during the hearing.
Both the state and defense were represented by legal counsel during the proceedings. Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq. is leading the prosecution on behalf of the state, while Daniel Koroma Esq. is defending the accused.
Despite the defense’s efforts to secure bail for the defendants,
Magistrate Bangura denied the request, resulting in all three being remanded in
custody.
The case has been adjourned for further hearings
as the court continues to examine the evidence and testimonies presented by
both sides.