By: Audrey Raymonda John
A labourer, Abubakarr Dumbuya, has made his first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 on a charge of malicious damage.
The offence is contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Kingtom Cemetery in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly maliciously damaged four vault graves with intent to steal. Each grave is valued at Le 3,500, bringing the total value of the damaged property to Le 14,000. The graves are the property of the Freetown City Council.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Mabel M. Trawallie Esq., informed the court that the defendant had been served with a bundle of witness statements, which he acknowledged receiving.
Magistrate Jah refused bail and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown.
The matter has been adjourned to April 20, 2026.