Freetown – Hawa Madiana Hunt, a 42-year-old reality television personality, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on charges of disseminating insulting messages via a computer system.
The charges, brought under Section 44 (2) (b) of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021, allege that between April 1 and April 30, 2024, Ms. Hunt used her Facebook account, “Hawa Hunt,” to post messages deemed insulting to the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio. The prosecution claims the messages could harm the First Lady’s reputation and incite public disorder.
A second count accuses Ms. Hunt of publishing derogatory remarks targeting President Julius Maada Bio, allegedly with the intention of damaging his character.
Ms. Hunt pleaded not guilty to both charges.
State Prosecutor Yusif Isaac Sesay requested an adjournment to finalize preparations for the case. Meanwhile, defense lawyer J.B. Sesay filed for bail, arguing that Ms. Hunt, who holds dual citizenship in Sierra Leone and Canada, posed no flight risk as her travel documents were already in police custody.
He described her as a philanthropist committed to aiding children and backed by credible sureties under Section 79(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
Despite the defense’s arguments, Magistrate Bangura denied bail, citing concerns about her ties to Canada and the seriousness of the charges.
The case has been adjourned to January 15, 2025, for further proceedings.
This is democracy