Pressuring Jihad Basma: A Disruption of Justice in the Stolen Diamond Case

By Benjamin S Conteh

Jihad Basma, the third accused in the alleged theft of 264 carats of diamonds from Kono, is currently being coerced into negotiating with his accuser, Benjamin Marrer. Marrer claims that Basma purchased a stolen diamond from his workers in Kono. However, Basma has consistently denied buying the alleged diamond from his co-defendants.

The insistence on forcing Basma to settle this matter out of court raises serious questions. If Marrer and his supporters believe they have a strong case, why not allow the court to decide? Why use the Law Officers Department to pressure Basma into negotiations?

Basma’s bail was rescinded on the grounds that he was not serious about negotiating. Prior to this, he had met all bail conditions set by Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah-Stevens on August 29, 2024. Marrer and his allies demand a staggering payment of US$42 million for the alleged stolen diamond. It is implausible to expect Basma to pay for a diamond he has repeatedly claimed he never saw or purchased.

Reports indicate that some in the Law Officers Department are insisting that unless Basma makes a serious commitment to settle, he will remain in custody. This approach undermines the integrity of the legal process. If officials are genuinely committed to upholding the rule of law, they should allow judges and magistrates to perform their duties without interference.

It is unreasonable to expect Basma to engage in meaningful negotiations when the demands are exorbitant and unfounded. We urge the Law Officers Department to allow this case to proceed in court and to release Jihad Basma and his co-accused so they can adequately prepare their defense. Basma is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Forcing someone to negotiate in a matter still under preliminary investigation in the Magistrate Court is an affront to justice.