Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, ordered the remand of two men, Amidu Sesay and Mohamed Henvan Kargbo, over their alleged involvement in an assault on popular Sierra Leonean musician Frederick Peters, known professionally as Famous.
The two accused appeared before the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 on seven counts, including conspiracy to commit a crime, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861), disorderly behavior (contrary to Section 12 of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1973), and intimidation.
According to the charge sheet, on Saturday, 22 February 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, the accused—together with others yet unknown—allegedly conspired to assault Famous and his associate Ibrahim Fofanah, causing them bodily harm. The prosecution further alleged that the accused behaved in a disorderly manner and intimidated both victims during the incident.
The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court.
Led in evidence by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan Bull—supported by ASP Ibrahim Mansaray, Maddieu Sesay, A.S. Sesay, and Chernor Kamara—the prosecution presented its first witness, Frederick Peters alias Famous. The defense is being led by Counsel Z.A. Kanu.
In his testimony, Famous identified the two accused as associates of fellow musician Kao Denero. He said the incident occurred while he was attending “Lady Fest,” an event organized by fellow artist Star Zero. Famous recounted that he had parked his car and was heading into the hotel when he noticed Kao Denero and his entourage entering as well. One of the individuals in Kao Denero’s group—identified only as “K1,” who is not currently before the court—allegedly struck him on the shoulder. Famous claimed the act was captured on the hotel’s CCTV footage.
Famous testified that while he tried to ignore the provocation and headed to the pool area, he was later approached by Kao Denero and the second accused, Mohamed Kargbo. He said Kao Denero stood in front of him while Kargbo flanked him from the side. Famous told the court that Kao Denero accused him of harboring ill will in the music industry, then instructed Kargbo to spray pepper spray on him. Famous alleged that the spray caused him intense pain and confusion while members of Kao Denero’s entourage verbally abused and physically assaulted him.
At this point, defense counsel Z.A. Kanu objected to any mention of Kao Denero, stating that he was not on trial. However, Prosecutor Bull clarified that the charges involve conspiracy and could implicate additional individuals. In response, Magistrate Jah stated that if compelling evidence emerges against Kao Denero during the course of the testimony, he would order his arrest and prosecution.
Prosecutor Bull requested a short adjournment to continue the witness testimony, including presentation of the CCTV footage from the hotel.
Meanwhile, defense counsel Kanu applied for bail under Section 79(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965. He argued that the accused are fellow musicians and colleagues of the complainant, asserting they pose no flight risk and would not interfere with witnesses, whom they allegedly do not know. He emphasized that the charges are allegations and that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Magistrate Jah, however, declined to grant bail, citing his court’s standard practice of denying bail at first appearance. Both accused were remanded in custody. The matter was adjourned to 11 June 2025 for continuation of Famous’s testimony.
By Feima Sesay
