By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Six accused individuals, including Mohamed Fofanah (18), Alie Menjor (23), John Lansana (23), Emanuel Mansaray (23), Alie Conteh (29), and Foday Daboh, made their first court appearance on Thursday, September 26, 2024, before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2. They face three charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime and larceny, under the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the prosecution, on August 23, 2022, at Tankyard No. 1 Princess Fost Close, Wilberforce, Freetown, the accused conspired with unknown individuals to steal 405 cartons of 60-by-60-inch wall tiles valued at 101,250 new leones, property of Sylvia Fasuluku.
In addition to conspiracy, five of the accused, excluding Foday Daboh, were charged with the theft of the tiles. Daboh, on the other hand, faces a separate charge of receiving stolen goods, allegedly knowing that the 405 cartons of tiles were stolen.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Mohamed Fofanah, one of the accused and a former security officer at Alic Security Agency, testified that he knew the complainant through his previous employment. He denied involvement in the theft, claiming that he was at home when he received a call from Lumley Police Station about the stolen tiles. Fofanah also stated that he was removed from his security post and transferred elsewhere before being asked to report to the police station for questioning.
Magistrate Bangura denied bail for all six accused, remanding them to the Male Correctional Center in Freetown. The case has been adjourned to October 7, 2024, for further proceedings.
