By: Audrey Raymonda John
Ten employees have been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on five counts relating to alleged conspiracy to commit larceny, larceny, forgery, uttering forged documents, and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
The accused persons are Abu Bakarr Kabba Mansaray, Ibrahim Ahmed Kargbo, Ibrahim Bangura, Benito Conteh, Mohamed Amara Kamara, Alhassan Kamara, Jacob Gbaya, Mohamed Sahr Tommy, Chernor Amadu Sesay, and Abu Mansaray.
According to the particulars of offence, between 1st and 22nd May 2026, at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Cline Town, Freetown, the accused persons allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to steal a shipping container with serial number TLLU-2297785 and its contents.
The prosecution alleges that the container was in the lawful possession and control of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) after being detained in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation by the Sierra Leone Police.
The second count states that on 13th May 2026, at the same location, all the accused persons allegedly stole the said shipping container and its contents with the intention of permanently depriving SLPHA of its lawful possession and control.
The third count alleges that on 15th May 2026, the ninth accused person allegedly forged a staff identification card belonging to Akim and Satu Clearing and Forwarding Agency, intending it to be used as a genuine identification document to facilitate the unlawful removal of the detained shipping container.
The fourth count further alleges that on the same date and location, the ninth accused person knowingly and fraudulently presented the alleged forged staff identification card as genuine, with the intention of deceiving officers of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority and facilitating the unlawful removal of the container and its contents.
The fifth count alleges that all the accused persons conspired with other persons unknown to pervert the course of justice by allegedly concealing and suppressing material evidence, tampering with CCTV footage, and using forged documents to facilitate the unlawful removal of the shipping container.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons, no plea was taken, as the matter is before the court for committal proceedings.
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah denied bail, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences. The matter has been adjourned to 27th July 2026 for further proceedings.