Proceedings in the ongoing criminal matter between the Inspector General of Police and Lansana Dumbuya resumed on March 5, 2026, with the prosecution presenting two additional witnesses before closing its case at the end of the day’s hearing.
The prosecution called its second and third witnesses, both of whom testified before the court and were subsequently cross-examined by counsel representing the defendant.
The second prosecution witness, Sahr Foday Lebbie, a Detective Police Sergeant attached to the Cyber Unit at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, provided testimony relating to the handling of digital evidence in the case. During his examination-in-chief, Lebbie informed the court that his responsibilities within the Cyber Unit include the examination, extraction, and transcription of evidence from electronic devices as part of ongoing police investigations.
In the course of his testimony, the witness explained the process through which a video recording allegedly showing the defendant, Lansana Dumbuya, speaking at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium was obtained and analysed. According to Lebbie, the video formed part of the electronic evidence reviewed by the Cyber Unit during the investigation.
At the request of the prosecution, the video recording was played in open court for the magistrate and those present in the courtroom. Following the playback, the prosecution applied to tender the recording as evidence in the matter. The court admitted the video as an exhibit. In addition to the video recording, the prosecution also tendered a screenshot photograph extracted from the footage, as well as other related documents associated with the digital evidence. These materials were likewise admitted as exhibits during the witness’s testimony.
Following the testimony of the second witness, the prosecution called its third witness, Francis Momodu Tommy, an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the Ross Road Police Station.
While giving evidence before the court, Tommy stated that he was part of a large contingent of police officers deployed to the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium during a political gathering organised by members of the All People’s Congress (APC). According to his testimony, approximately 150 police officers were present at the venue to provide security during the event.
The witness told the court that while stationed at the stadium, he personally observed the defendant addressing members of the public. He further stated that during the address, the defendant allegedly asked those present to repeat after him a phrase which he identified as “Maada Bio tiffy tiffy.”
Tommy explained that hearing the chant caused him distress, stating that the phrase was directed at the President of Sierra Leone, whom he described as his superior and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Counsel for the defense subsequently cross-examined both witnesses, challenging certain aspects of their testimonies and the circumstances surrounding the evidence presented in court. After the cross-examinations concluded, the prosecution indicated that it had no further questions for either witness and therefore did not conduct any re-examination.
With the testimony of the third witness completed, the prosecution formally closed its case, having called a total of three witnesses throughout the proceedings. During the course of the trial, the prosecution also presented several documentary and electronic exhibits which were admitted into evidence by the court.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, counsel for the defense applied for an adjournment of two weeks to enable the defense team to adequately prepare and present its case. The prosecution did not object to the application.
The presiding magistrate subsequently granted the request and adjourned the matter until March 19, 2026, when the defense is expected to open its case before the court.
The bail previously granted to the defendant, Lansana Dumbuya, remains in effect pending the continuation of the trial.