Malen land owners vs Socfin…State Counsel objects judgement
By Jenkins Bawoh
Senior State Counsel, Simeon Allieu in the just concluded case between the Malen Land Owners Association and Socfin Agricultural Company, yesterday objected to the judgement passed by Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards at the Bo High Court.
The State Counsel cum Prosecutor pleaded: “I want you to use the appropriate judgement on these people.”
Meanwhile, before the plea of the Prosecutor, Justice Edwards had passed a fine of Le15 000 000 (fifteen million Leones) each on the 2 count charge on former Member of Parliament, Shiaka Musa Sama; Kenie James Blango; Sia Mattia; Lahai Sellu; Musa Sellu and Foday Sellu.
The ex-MP Siaka Sama, who is the Spokesperson for the Association, was given an additional fine of Le60 000 000 (sixty million Leones) on the third count of ‘Incitement.’
He was charged to pay or faced going to jail for 5months on that count and 5 months each on the other two previous counts. “I rule that you are all guilty of destroying palm plants owned by Socfin.”
Barrister Anthony Brewah, pleading for the six accused persons, pleaded for mercy and an extension of time to pay the fines. “My Lord, I plead for an extension of the time of payment and also plead for mercy.” The time was then pushed to 1 month each and the 6 people risk been sent to jail again.
It could be recalled that in October 2013, the 6 accused people were arrested and dragged to court by Socfin and were charged with ‘Incitement, Conspiracy and Destruction’ of 40 palm plants belonging to Socfin.
