By: Hope Times News Desk
A Magistrate Court in Freetown has ordered the arrest of one of the sureties in the ongoing fraud case involving Admire Bio-Jalloh and her husband, Dauda Jalloh, after the accused persons failed to appear in court for the second consecutive hearing.
The directive was issued on Thursday by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah following strong objections from the prosecution over the repeated absence of the two defendants, who are facing criminal fraud allegations.
During proceedings, State Counsel Isaac Sesay urged the court to take decisive action, arguing that the continued failure of the accused to attend hearings showed disregard for the authority of the court. He noted that the complainant has been present at every scheduled hearing and deserves timely justice.
Sesay informed the court that only three sureties were in attendance instead of the required four, prompting him to request that the missing surety be arrested and that a bench warrant be considered against the accused persons. He maintained that criminal proceedings require the physical presence of the defendants and warned against creating the impression that influential individuals could ignore court orders without consequence.
Defense Counsel S.S. Kai appealed for the court’s indulgence, explaining that Admire Bio-Jalloh was still mourning and experiencing psychological distress, making it difficult for her to attend the hearing. He assured the court that both defendants would be present at the next sitting. The defense also informed the court that the absent surety was unwell.
The prosecution, however, opposed the application, insisting that the explanations offered were insufficient given that this was the second consecutive absence by the accused. State Counsel Sesay argued that repeated non-appearance undermines public confidence in the administration of justice and urged the court to safeguard its integrity.
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the defendants and stressed that criminal matters must be treated with the seriousness they deserve. He ordered that the absent surety be taken into custody and warned that the court would no longer tolerate repeated failures by the accused persons to appear.
The magistrate further emphasized that both Admire Bio-Jalloh and Dauda Jalloh are required to attend every hearing unless excused by lawful authority.
The matter was adjourned to Thursday, 30th July 2026, for further proceedings.