By: Alimatu Kargbo
Reality TV personality Hawa Hunt appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown to face charges related to alleged defamatory statements against President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Jabbie Bio.
The charges arise from Facebook posts reportedly made on April 30, 2024, from her account, “Hawa Hunt.” The prosecution claims these posts contained damaging remarks intended to tarnish the reputation of the First Lady and the President, potentially inciting public unrest.
Police witness Mohamed Jusu, attached to the Sierra Leone Criminal Investigations Department, and testified that he analyzed the alleged video evidence. Using specialized software called “Kash Key,” Jusu verified the video’s authenticity and transcribed its contents from Krio to English. His findings, documented in a report witnessed by Detective 6890 Labbbie Shar, were submitted as evidence. The video, marked as Exhibit B, was played in court.
Defense counsel Lawyer Rashid argued that the video was not directly linked to his client’s Facebook account but instead appeared on another account belonging to “Mama Lucky.” He further noted the absence of a primary statement implicating Hawa Hunt during police investigations.
Despite renewing a bail application on grounds that Hawa Hunt is a dual citizen of Sierra Leone and Canada, with her travel documents in police custody, Magistrate Bangura denied bail. The magistrate cited the seriousness of the charges and Hunt’s potential flight risk due to her Canadian ties. The case has been adjourned to January 17, 2025, for further hearings.
