Feetown, SIERRA LEONE – Pastor Fatoma Tommy Jusu is set to face the High Court for operating a private security agency without a valid license.
This decision follows a ruling by Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 in Freetown, where Pastor Jusu was charged with one count of operating a private security agency without proper authorization.
The case stems from an incident on July 5, 2024, when Jusu was found running a security agency at #59C Leicester Road, Freetown, without a valid license from the Office of National Security (ONS), as outlined in the police report.
After the prosecution presented its case, including testimony from five witnesses, Magistrate Bangura ruled that there was sufficient evidence to commit Jusu to the High Court for trial. The prosecution’s witnesses provided testimony that connected the accused to the illegal operation of a security agency.
During the ruling, Magistrate Bangura highlighted the requirements for committing the accused for trial, noting that in a preliminary investigation, the court seeks prima facie evidence linking the accused to the crime. He emphasized that the burden of proof rested on the prosecution to show that:
The accused operated a private security company.
He did so without proper authorization or a valid license.
Testimonies from the prosecution’s witnesses strengthened the case. One witness (PW1) testified that Jusu claimed to operate an efficient security service with 37 guards stationed in various locations. Another witness (PW2) confirmed that Jusu admitted to running a security agency with 30 guards at five different sites, although he had not yet completed the registration process with the ONS.
PW3, an officer responsible for registering private security companies at ONS, testified that a complaint was lodged against Jusu, accusing him of failing to pay an employee at Southern Lion Security and Logistics Services, a company Jusu was alleged to own. The complainant produced documentation, including a guarantor form linking Jusu to the security company. During an inquiry, Jusu acknowledged that he had 14 guards working for clients such as the Islamic College, an Evangelical Church, and an electronics store.
Based on this testimony, Magistrate Bangura ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Jusu to answer in the High Court.
Before committing the case to the High Court, defense counsel Chernor Kamara renewed a previous bail application on behalf of Jusu. However, Magistrate Bangura denied the request, citing public interest concerns, and ordered Jusu’s remand until his trial.
The case will now proceed to the High Court, where Jusu will face trial for operating a private security company without proper licensing.
Awoko
