By: Audrey Raymonda John
Samuel Benjamin Moiba, a sailor, and Alfred Karim Koroma, another sailor, made another appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1 on two charges: conspiracy, contrary to law, and larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charges state that the accused, along with others unknown, conspired on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen in the Western Area of Freetown, to commit a felony, specifically larceny.
On the second count, the accused are alleged to have stolen several items, including one black suitcase, one grey Dell laptop, a black A23 Samsung mobile phone, a stethoscope, and other assorted items, valued at a total of 124,800 Leones. The property belonged to Dr. Sherif Emil and was in the custody of Seacoach Express management.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was entered.
Inspector Kadie M. Taylor led prosecution witness Micah Tanimu, the General Manager at Sea Coach and a technician. Tanimu testified that he knew both accused persons, as they were sailors. He recalled receiving a call from the coordinator of Mercy Ship at around 10 p.m. on February 9, 2025, regarding a missing piece of luggage. Tanimu advised the coordinator to be patient and that he would investigate the issue.
He then went to the office, switched on the CCTV cameras, and reviewed footage. He saw the first accused moving from the terminal to the car park. The first accused was seen setting aside the allegedly missing bag among other luggage. Tanimu confronted the first accused, who initially denied taking the bag. Tanimu then showed him the CCTV footage, where the accused admitted to being the one. Tanimu then identified the second accused, who was involved with the missing bag. When Tanimu called the second accused, he did not respond but instead called the police, who subsequently arrested both accused persons.
The CCTV footage was saved to a memory stick and was produced and tendered as evidence, marked as Exhibit A. Tanimu later made a statement to the police.
The accused persons were represented by S. Smart Esq., who cross-examined the witness and renewed the bail application on their behalf.
Magistrate Kekura refused bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, and remanded both accused persons to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to April 11, 2025.