By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – September 11, 2024 – Alhaji Conteh, a 21-year-old driver, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for the theft of a Toyota 4Runner Jeep. The sentencing took place on Wednesday before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Court No. 2, Pademba Road.
Conteh’s co-accused, Osman Dumbuya, was acquitted and discharged as no evidence was found linking him to the crime. Both men faced charges of Conspiracy Contrary to Law and Larceny Contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1961.
The conviction of Alhaji Conteh was based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses and corroborative statements from the complainant. The court found Conteh guilty on all counts related to the theft, with evidence confirming his involvement.
The case details reveal that on July 13, 2024, at Youyi Building, Freetown, Conteh and Dumbuya, along with other unknown individuals, conspired to steal a white Toyota 4Runner Jeep. The vehicle, valued at $3,500 (equivalent to 600,000 Leones), belonged to Aminata Dumbuya.
During the proceedings, Conteh pleaded for leniency. In response, Magistrate Bangura noted, “Although this is your first offense, it is important to deter others from similar actions. I hereby sentence you to three years and six months imprisonment.”
Osman Dumbuya was acquitted on the second count due to insufficient evidence linking him to the conspiracy.
