In a recent development, Pastor Fatormah Tommy Jusu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Southern Lion Security Company and Logistics, has been remanded in custody following accusations of operating a private security firm without a valid license.
The company, located on Leicester Road behind Muslim Brotherhood Secondary School in Freetown, is at the center of the legal proceedings currently unfolding in the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.2.
Pastor Jusu appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, facing a preliminary investigation on charges related to the illegal operation of a private security company.
During the hearing, the court denied him bail, and the case was adjourned for further proceedings.
The State’s case against Pastor Jusu is being led by Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay.
Among the witnesses called to testify was Ms. Musu Rosaline Conteh, who is responsible for the registration and licensing of private security companies at the Office of National Security (ONS).
She recounted the events that led to Pastor Jusu’s arrest, which began with a complaint lodged by an individual who claimed that the company had failed to pay him for three months of service.
Ms. Conteh testified that, upon receiving the complaint, she contacted a number provided by the complainant, which led her to Pastor Jusu. Posing as a potential client, Ms. Conteh arranged a meeting with him, during which he admitted to owning the security company and confirmed that it was operational. Subsequently, an ONS team, described as Integrated Intelligent Security (IIS), apprehended Pastor Jusu during a pre-arranged meeting at Model Junction.
During questioning, Pastor Jusu acknowledged being aware of an ONS press release that prohibited the operation of private security companies without a valid license.
He also admitted that his company had been in operation since August 2023, employing fourteen security guards and serving three clients.
The defense counsel had the opportunity to cross-examine Ms. Conteh during the hearing.
Magistrate Bangura has scheduled the next session of the case for August 21, 2024, when further evidence will be presented.
