Kao Denero Granted NLe50,000 Bail

By Fatmata Mohamed Bangura
Sierra Leone’s Entertainment Ambassador, Amara Dennis Turay alias Kao Denero, on Monday made another appearance before Magistrate Adama Kandeh of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 4 in Freetown, facing two count charges of incitement contrary to law and intimidation contrary to Section 4(v) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965.
On count one, police alleged that on 22nd February 2025, at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, No. 17 Lumley Beach Road in Freetown, the accused unlawfully incited Medlenero, Amadu Sesay, together with other persons, to assault the complainant, Fredrick Dapaye Peters commonly known as Famous. On count two, the accused is said to have used those persons to behave in a disorderly manner at the same time and place.
Before the proceedings commenced, the bench addressed the bench warrant earlier issued against the accused, explaining that it was due to him overstaying his medical leave. Magistrate Kandeh noted that while the accused was granted two weeks medical attention, he had exceeded the permitted period without formal notice to the court. The defense explained that further medical attention had been required, and the necessary report was later submitted. Following receipt of the medical report, the bench rescinded the bench warrant and proceeded with the matter.
Defense counsel A. Kamanda raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the charges lacked specificity and were therefore defective. He pointed out that the particulars in count one failed to clarify the exact type of assault, leaving the defense at a disadvantage in preparing its case. He also argued that the mention of “and others” did not constitute conspiracy, and that the second count was equally defective. Co-counsel Z.A. Kanu further argued that the matter was before the wrong court as a similar case was pending before Court No. 1.
Prosecuting counsel M. Sesay opposed the objections, citing Section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965, and argued that the charges were properly framed and needed no further specificity. He maintained that the accused personally incited the complainant and that the objections were without legal basis. He prayed the bench to dismiss them with a cost of Le5,000 for wasting the court’s time.
Magistrate Kandeh, having listened to submissions from both sides, overruled the objections and ruled that the matter should proceed. She stressed that whether the accused is a diplomat or not, he is not exempted from standing trial.
The charges were read and explained to the accused, who pleaded not guilty. Kamanda then applied for bail, highlighting his client’s role as an ambassador for Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry, his international representation of the country, and his mentorship of young talent. He assured the court that the accused would appear whenever required. The prosecution did not oppose bail but requested conditions to ensure the accused’s attendance in court.
In her ruling, Magistrate Kandeh granted bail to the accused in the sum of Le50,000. She further adjourned the matter, which was initially slated for 18th August 2025. However, during today’s proceedings, the case was shifted to 28th August 2025 as both the complainant and the accused’s legal representatives informed the bench that discussions were ongoing for an amicable settlement between the parties.
The presiding magistrate welcomed the move but maintained that the court process must continue until an official settlement is reached and filed. She also issued a strong caution to both parties and their supporters to refrain from making social media posts about the ongoing trial, stressing that such conduct could prejudice the court’s proceedings and undermine justice.