By Ada Adams Sesay
Five armed robbers who allegedly stormed the residence of Justice Alfred Tommy Ganda in Freetown and stole valuable properties have been remanded in custody at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown.
While testifying in court before Magistrate Mark Ngeba of Pademba Road Court No.1, Justice Alfred Ganda informed the bench that on the 19th May 2023, he was at home with his family and around 11pm it was raining heavily and he went to the downstairs of the house and ensured that the gate and doors of the house were closed. Justice Ganda also told the court that around 2am he saw the accused persons downstairs and two of them were masked. He further that the accused persons were armed with guns, cutlasses and iron bars. Justice Ganda added that, the accused persons entered his room and took his money, 3 laptops, phones, wristwatch and other valuables. He added that, the accused persons tied him and his wife on the floor and threatened to kill them. He continued by stating that after the accused persons left the house, he untied himself and members of his household. Justice Ganda added that, he went downstairs and noticed that the accused persons entered his house by breaking his window. Justice Ganda further stated that he went to police and reported the matter and after three days he was called at the station to identify his properties. He also told the court that he saw most of his stolen properties.
After hearing the testimony, Magistrate Ngegba informed the court that the offences against the accused persons are serious and he therefore remanded them in custody and adjourned the matter to Tuesday 25th July 2023.
The accused persons were arraigned in court on three counts of conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to law, robbery with aggravation contrary to section 23 (1) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916 as repealed and replaced by section 2 of Act No.16 of 1971 and receiving stolen goods contrary to section 33 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, the accused persons John Bangura alias JB, Samuel Koroma alias Jordan, Hassan Kamara, Abu Bakarr Sidique alias Buba and Yusif Kanu on Friday 19th May 2023, at Kabba drive, Regent village, Freetown, conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a felony to wit robbery with aggravation and robbed Justice Alfred Tommy Ganda of certain properties and the sum of seventy four million seven hundred thousand Leones, and at the same did use personal violence him.
