By Mamajah Jalloh
Sam Sesay, a 22-year-old caretaker, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Friday, September 13, 2024. Sesay faces two charges: conspiracy to commit a crime and larceny, as outlined in section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the charges, on August 20, 2024, at #5 Springer Street, off Johnson Street, Aberdeen in the Western Area of Freetown, Sesay, in collaboration with unknown accomplices, allegedly conspired to commit larceny. The second count accuses him of stealing 150,000 Leones, the property of Joan Keister.
Sesay pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. Chief Superintendent of Police Joan M.S. Bull presented prosecution witness number three, Sergeant 9071 Joseph Sorie Bangura, who is stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department in Aberdeen. Bangura testified that on August 21, 2024, while on duty, he was involved in the arrest of Sesay, following a report by the complainant and a team of officers.
Bangura detailed that a voluntary caution statement was obtained from Sesay, recorded in Krio and translated into English. The statement was read back to Sesay, who confirmed its accuracy by affixing his thumbprint, with Sergeant 11094 Smart Philip Bob witnessing the document. The statement was submitted as Exhibit A1-8.
On August 28, 2024, Bangura charged Sesay with larceny and recorded a charge statement in Krio, which was translated into English. Sesay again confirmed the statement’s accuracy by affixing his thumbprint.
During cross-examination by defense counsel G.O.E Fallah Samuel, the prosecutor indicated that the evidence presented concludes the prosecution’s case. The defense sought an adjournment to file a no-case submission and renew bail applications.
Magistrate Bangura refused bail and remanded Sesay to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The case is adjourned until September 20, 2024.