By: Audrey Raymonda John
Two young men, Abdul Rahman Cole, aged 21, a painter, and Santigie Kanu, aged 18, a labourer, have been remanded in custody after making their first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.
The defendants were charged on two counts, including Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, contrary to law; and Malicious Damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861. According to the particulars of offence, on Friday, 5 December 2025, at Murray Town in the Western Area of Freetown, the defendants conspired together and with other persons unknown to commit a crime, to wit: malicious damage.
On count two, it was further alleged that on the same date and at the same place, the defendants maliciously damaged assorted boat engine cables and rubber pipes, all to the total value of Eighty Thousand United States Dollars (US$80,000), equivalent to One Hundred and Eighty-Nine Thousand, Six Hundred Leones (Le 189,600), the property of Osman Sow.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, no plea was taken.
The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isatu Baba Musa, applied for a short adjournment, informing the court that her witness was absent.
Magistrate Fornah accordingly adjourned the matter to 17 December 2025 for further hearing.