By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mariatu Bangura, a cleaner; Alhassan Sankoh, a cleaner; Katimu Sillah; Noah Koroma, a bike rider; and Fatmata Sillah made their first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on three charges: Conspiracy contrary to law, Larceny by Servant contrary to Section 17 (1) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916, and Accessory after the fact contrary to Section 35 of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offense, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at #8 Author Drive, First Bango Goderich, in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with others, whose identities remain unknown, to commit a felony specifically Larceny by Servant.
Count two further stated that on the same date and at the same location, the accused persons, employed by Zahra Khadar, allegedly stole twenty-five thousand United States dollars (USD $25,000), the property of Zahra Khadar.
Count three added that the second and fourth accused, Noah Koroma and Fatmata Sillah, knowing that Mariatu Bangura (alias Sampa) and Alhassan Sankoh had stolen the money, allegedly comforted, maintained, and assisted them in the theft of Zahra Khadar’s property.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, they all pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, requested a short adjournment to present his witnesses.
Counsel M.Y. Conteh Esq., representing the accused persons, applied for bail on their behalf, arguing that the accused are Sierra Leonean citizens residing within the jurisdiction. He assured the court that they have reliable sureties who are willing and ready to go into recognizance on their behalf. He further argued that the accused would not interfere with prosecution witnesses nor abscond, applying under Section 79(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
However, Magistrate Fornah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the charges. The matter was adjourned to September 16, 2025, for further proceedings.