Corrupt, incorrect or just plain incompetent – there’s something decidedly not right with what appears to be a judicial witch hunt against a prominent Manchester City supporter in Sierra Leone.
Ongoing criminal proceedings against City fan Armani Sheku Kamara through the courts of the impoverished African country, means Read But Never Red has to tread carefully when reporting what appears to be a miscarriage of justice just waiting to happen.
Out of Africa – a troubling tale is emerging from Sierra Leone
As someone who has sat on the press benches in some of the highest courts in the land, one has to be wary of libel laws and the rules of sub judice – even in a far away land – but that doesn’t prevent the shining of a spotlight on some strange judicial goings-on, thousands of miles from these shores.
Armani is the driving force behind a 2,000-strong City fan base comprising 16 supporter’s clubs in one of the poorest nations on the planet. It’s an unlikely association when you consider City are acknowledged as one of the richest clubs in the world, courtesy of their Abu Dhabi owners.
He is accused of receiving stolen property in a situation that appears to have ‘trumped up charges’ written all over it, in a legal wrangle that has been dragging on since June.
On trial – ‘Mr Man City’ Armani Kamara stands accused in Sierra Leone. Armani met Roberto Mancini on his last visit to the Etihad.
The young West African has forged strong links with City since establishing a Sierra Leone branch of the Official Supporters Club (OSC). He has been instrumental in gaining funding and support from the OSC in recent years, resulting in the donation of a mini-bus, funds and large consignments of City training kit, match day strips and hundreds upon hundreds of pairs of Umbro football boots…all size 8!
Umbro had masses of redundant ‘samples’ of boots – quirkily all of one size – which they were more than happy to donate to a worthy cause.
Ironically it’s some of these boots which are at the centre of a storm where Armani – known as ‘Mr Man City’ in his homeland – is accused of receiving the footwear following an alleged break-in and subsequent theft.
In to Africa – Paul Lake led a City delegation to Sierra Leone to present Armani with a MCFC mini-bus
The allegations would be farcical were it not for the fact that, like a dog with a bone, the Sierra Leone authorities have thus far refused to let common sense prevail.
Having already received kit and the MCFC-branded mini bus, which was personally delivered by ex-City star Paul Lake and prominent members of the OSC – Armani took delivery of the container of football boots in 2011.
He arranged a deal with a local sports dealer whereby he could trade two pairs of the size 8 Umbro boots for one set of alternative boots, that fitted the players of his team.
Having sourced the needs of Sierra Leone Man City, Armani freely distributed the remaining boots and other football, equipment – free of charge – to other teams, schools, churches, mosques etc – actions that were well publicised in Sierra Leone’s media.
Ticket to ride – Manchester City’s Official Supporters Club donated a mini bus to help the people of Sierra Leone
Whilst in the country, the official City delegation including Paul Lake and OSC representatives Howard Burr, Phil Holme, Alex Channon and Tony Griffiths, met an owner of a rival team to Armani’s.
It was agreed that the rival team, should receive any surplus City kits that would not physically fit in the consignment earmarked for Armani. So far, so good.
The first problems arose when Armani was informed that the rival team might be wearing the City strip in competitive games – something not sanctioned as his team had the ‘rights’ to the colours.
Welcome to the Etihad – Armani brought his Sierra Leone banner to Manchester
In the wrangle that ensued it is alleged that the rival team’s owner developed a grudge against Armani, resulting in him being targeted in the manner of a popular UK TV show ‘You’ve Been Framed’…allegedly!
It seems somewhat perverse that Armani should knowingly take delivery of ‘stolen’ football boots – the self same ones that he was so openly and willingly giving away just months beforehand. It defies reason, but it appears to be a case of ‘don’t let the facts ruin a malicious prosecution’…allegedly!
Since June he has made seven court appearances. Initially remanded in custody before bail money could be posted, Armani has been present at five hearings where the prosecution did not even show up at court.
Were that to have happened in the UK the case would have been dismissed months ago, due to a lack of evidence e.g. ‘no case to answer.’
You don’t have to be the sharpest legal eagle in the nest to see something isn’t as it should be. Forget the bird analogy – the Sierra Leone legal system is showing itself to be an ass – and a potentially corrupt one at that.
World’s apart – Sierra Leone Manchester City on a match day in West Africa
Armani is a prominent figure in Sierra Leone’s limited professional football environment with his team – Sierra Leone Manchester City – playing in the second tier of the country’s 24-club structure.
Is it just a coincidence that the person who may – or may not – be central to the allegations against Armani, is now a very prominent official in the Sierra Leone football hierarchy?
The individual who now holds high office in the country’s football governing body is at the centre of a dispute in relation to the ethics and legality as to how they were elected. Such are the levels of disquiet, that professional football in the country has ground to a halt with the vast majority of teams refusing to play.
Irrespective of the origins of Armani’s arrest, detention and subsequent ongoing trauma, there is a high degree of anxiety among City’s OSC at what they see as the ‘persecution’ of one of their own.
Partnerships – Tony Griffiths and Armani at the Etihad Stadium
No one is more concerned than Tony Griffiths, a former Manchester policeman and lifelong City fan, who befriended Armani back in 2003, whilst he was helping train the Sierra Leone constabulary.
Tony, an ex- Detective Sergeant with Greater Manchester Police was stationed in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, when a young Armani was bitten by the City bug, courtesy of Tony’s infectious enthusiasm for his beloved Blues.
City gospel – Tony Griffiths converts young Africans to the MCFC cause
As things stand Armani is due back in court on November 28th as this torturous ‘trial’ continues.
Tony and all of those associated with City’s Official Supporters Club, are keen to ensure that the glare of publicity remains fixed on Freetown and that justice will prevail with Armani being cleared and his reputation restored.
David Walker
readbutneverred.com
@djwskyblu
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Thankyou for YOUR SUPPORT!
I can't believe that this farce is even still dragging on....
'FREE THE FREETOWN ONE!'
Keep the faith Armani.
Hopefully justice will prevail.
Thanks to you David - keeping it in the spotlight , will hopefully encourage others to take up the mantle and release this poor man from a hell hole.
MCFC FOREVER BLUE
Will keep his plight under review if it all goes pear-shaped.
Good piece - we MUST keep the fight/support going for Armani and need to keep this in the public eye.
Good luck Armani, we're all behind you, as ever.
I'll do my best, along with others, to keep Armani's plight in the public domain.
Well done David for standing up for Armani, fantastic work!
Thanks Suzy x
I thought all this was done and dusted. Absolute joke that this has gone on this long.
Couldn't agree more.
An excellent summary of a scandalous situation Dave, God willing Armani's horrendous ordeal should soon be over. It shames the Sierra Leone authorities. So glad you have written such a concise piece Dave.
Thanks Ian & thanks for putting me on the trail.
Meaby there is a chance of making a petition to be signed by Man City fans that would see the club support the Armani?
There is that possibility. I think there is growing optimism that with more and more publicity and a lack of any evidence, this case will be shown up for the farce that it is and Armani will be totally vindicated in the near future.
Fascinating article. I was unaware of this situation and would happily put my name on a petition to try and get Armani released.
Cheers Carl - I'll let you know if it comes to that.