Colonel Mohamed Suffian Kargbo faces arrest warrant

A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of Colonel Mohamed Suffian Kargbo of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) after he failed to appear in court to face charges of wounding and assault.

Magistrate Saio Mamakoh Betty Kallon of Pademba Road Court No. 3 granted the warrant following an application by prosecuting counsel Inspector Mohamed Kamara. Defense counsel I. T. P. Bangura stated that the Colonel is currently out of the country. In her ruling, Magistrate Kallon emphasized that rank does not grant immunity, stating, “No individual is above the law.”

The charges stem from an alleged incident on April 11, 2025, in Lumley, Freetown. Kargbo is accused of maliciously wounding Sahr Gbonia and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court has directed that if the Colonel appears, he must not be in military uniform. The case is adjourned until later in October.