Hawa Madiana Hunt, a 42-year-old dual citizen of Sierra Leone and Canada, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing charges under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act, 2021 (Act No. 7 of 2021).
Hunt is accused of using her Facebook account between April 1 and April 30, 2024, to post messages allegedly aimed at insulting Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Madam Fatima Jabbie Bio, and President Julius Maada Bio.
According to the prosecution, the posts were derogatory, intended to damage their reputations, provoke public unrest, and create apprehension.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay requested an adjournment to prepare the case, while defense counsel J.B. Sesay sought bail, emphasizing Hunt’s strong ties to Sierra Leone and the seizure of her travel documents.
Magistrate Bangura denied bail, citing concerns over her dual citizenship and the severity of the charges involving high-profile individuals. The case has been adjourned to January 15, 2025, for further proceedings.
