By: Problyn J. Alpha
Resident Magistrate Kabineh Kamara of the Makeni Magistrate Court has sentenced 28-year-old Abdul Conteh to 28 months imprisonment for stealing a Samsung Galaxy S9 Edge smartphone, valued at Le14,000. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Tekor Road in the Bombali Shebora Chiefdom, within the Bombali Judicial District.
According to the particulars of the offence, the complainant, Mohamed Kamara, testified that the accused visited his shop and introduced himself as an old friend. While they were conversing, the complainant stepped into his shop to collect an item, leaving his phone on the bench where they had been sitting.
Upon his return, both the accused and the phone were missing. Kamara immediately alerted nearby residents, who gave chase and successfully apprehended Abdul Conteh with the stolen phone in his possession.
The matter was reported to the police, who conducted an investigation and subsequently charged the accused with larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
During his second appearance in court, Conteh pleaded guilty and asked the court for mercy. However, Magistrate Kamara imposed a custodial sentence of 28 months, citing the seriousness of the offence and the need for deterrence.
Police Prosecutor PC 17202 Thoranka M. confirmed that Conteh is not a first-time offender, describing him as a repeat criminal with multiple court appearances for various offences. Legal Aid Board lawyer A.S. Sumilia served as defence counsel for the accused. Abdul Conteh is currently serving his sentence at the Makeni Correctional Centre.