By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
The case involving Hawa Madiana Hunt was yesterday committed to the High Court for trial after Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Court No. 2 concluded the preliminary investigation and found sufficient evidence to proceed.
Hawa Hunt faces two counts of allegedly sending insulting messages via a computer system, based on Facebook posts made between April 1 and April 30, 2024, targeting President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Jabbie Bio.
During the proceedings, Magistrate Bangura ruled on a no-case submission filed by Hunt’s defense team. The defense had argued that the charges under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act were improperly framed. However, Magistrate Bangura dismissed this argument, stating the charges were accurate and legally sound.
The defense also contested the Magistrate Court’s jurisdiction over the matter, insisting the case should have been sent directly to the High Court. Magistrate Bangura rejected this claim, clarifying that preliminary investigations are one of four lawful methods to escalate a matter to the High Court.
The defense further argued that the case lacked a complainant and should be dismissed. Magistrate Bangura dismissed this submission, citing precedents where cases involving former presidents Siaka Stevens and Ahmed Tejan Kabbah proceeded without their physical presence in court, resulting in convictions.
Following the committal to the High Court, Rashid Dumbuya, the lead defense counsel, applied for bail, emphasizing the need for Hunt to adequately prepare for her High Court trial. However, Magistrate Bangura denied the bail application and remanded Hunt in custody.
The case will now proceed to the High Court for trial on the charges of cyber insults under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act.
