By Mamajah Jalloh
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Bayoh Kamara, a cleaner, Abdul Karim Kamara, a security guard, and Princess Kanu, a nurse, made their first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2. They face two charges: conspiracy contrary to law and office breaking and larceny under Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on November 15, 2024, at No. 17 Wilkinson Road, Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with other individuals unknown to commit office breaking and larceny. The charges state that, on the same date and location, they broke into the office of Rheuma Salone Clinic with the intent to steal. They are accused of stealing the sum of $5,400 USD (equivalent to Le 135,000,000) and an additional Le 40,000, totaling Le 175,000,000, property of Professor Abdou El-Labbam.
When the charges were read to the accused, no pleas were entered. The state prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, requested that proceedings continue, as the complainant was present.
Toufik Tahir, the Manager of Rheuma Salone Clinic in Freetown, recognized the accused: the first as the clinic’s cleaner, the second as the night security guard, and the third as the nurse. Tahir testified that on November 15, 2024, upon arriving at the clinic, he noticed that the office safety box had been opened and was empty. Shocked, he called the staff together to inquire about the situation, but no one could provide an explanation. The first accused later told him that after leaving with his girlfriend, he returned and went to sleep. Tahir reported that the first accused was the only person with access to the office keys.
Tahir further explained that when the first accused’s brother arrived at the scene, he promised to investigate the matter. The first accused then allegedly produced $700, claiming that the amount was given to her by the first accused.
Magistrate Bangura granted bail to the third accused, Princess Kanu, in the amount of Le 70,000,000, with two sureties in like sum who must be responsible citizens residing in Freetown. The bail is subject to court approval. Meanwhile, the first and second accused were remanded to the male correctional facility in Freetown.
The case has been adjourned to December 18, 2024, for further hearings.
