By: Problyn J Alpha
Issa Bangura, a police officer attached to the FSA Bank in Levuma Kandu, Lekpeyama Chiefdom, Kenema District, is currently in police custody over allegations of robbery at the bank.
According to reports, on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025, unknown individuals broke into the bank and stole a total of five thousand three hundred and thirty-three Leones (Le 5,333). The bank manager, Abdulai Kallon, told our correspondent that at around 6:15 AM on the day of the incident, Officer Bangura informed him of the robbery. Upon arriving at the bank, the manager discovered that the perimeter fence and back door had been forcibly broken, and the money in the savings section had been stolen.
The matter was immediately reported to the police station in Levuma for prompt investigation. During the investigation, the police arrested Officer Bangura to assist with inquiries.
When asked if Officer Bangura was on duty at the time of the robbery, Manager Kallon explained that in his statement to fellow officers, the officer said he left the bank around 3:00 AM to go home and prepare for prayers. After prayers, he did not return to the bank until 6:00 AM, at which point he noticed the robbery and reported it to the manager.
Regarding rumors that the bank was preparing to disburse six hundred thousand Leones for teacher salaries and loans to traders, the manager clarified that although preparations were underway, the bank had not yet received the funds. He added that the Managing Director, Board Chairman, and legal adviser from Apex Bank had recently visited to inform stakeholders about the upcoming fund disbursement.
Prior to the robbery, an audit team from Apex Bank and the Chief Auditor visited the bank on Monday, 21st July 2025, to fast-track the disbursement process. The robbery took place the following day.
Police investigations are ongoing, and the bank manager has called on all clients to remain confident in the bank’s operations.