By: Audrey Raymonda John
Four persons have been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on allegations of conspiracy, store breaking, larceny, and receiving stolen goods.
The accused persons are 27-year-old Mohamed Kargbo, 44-year-old Abdul Kargbo, a labourer, 22-year-old Albert Harding, an apprentice, and 25-year-old Kadiatu Kamara, a petty trader.
They are facing charges of conspiracy contrary to law, store breaking and larceny contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916 and receiving stolen goods contrary to Section 32(1) of the same Act.
According to the particulars of offence, between July 1 and 14, 2026, at No. 44 Regent Road, Western Area, Freetown, the accused persons allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to commit a felony, namely store breaking and larceny.
The second count alleges that on the same dates and location, the accused persons, with intent to defraud, broke into the store of Mohamed Bah and stole fifty-six cartons of Mentholatum, toothpaste, and other assorted items valued at one hundred and twenty-one thousand Leones (Le121,000), property of Mohamed Bah.
The third count further alleges that on the same date, the fourth accused, Kadiatu Kamara, received one carton of Mentholatum valued at one thousand five hundred Leones (Le1,500), knowing or having reason to believe that the item had been stolen.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons, no plea was taken, as the matter is before the court as a committal proceeding.
The prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, informed the court that he had served the accused persons with copies of the case file and the inquiry file. The accused persons acknowledged receipt of the documents.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Fornah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offences alleged against the accused persons.
The matter has been adjourned to August 11, 2026, for further proceedings.