By: Audrey Raymonda John
Two men accused of breaking into the offices of Guoji Company and stealing more than US$43,000 and Le1 million have been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown, while their bail applications have been deferred.
The accused, 22-year-old plumber Abu Sankoh and 45-year-old marketer Alie Alhassan Kabia, are facing two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony and office breaking and larceny, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act, 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on 3rd July 2026, at the former National Workshop in Cline Town, Freetown, the accused allegedly broke into an office belonging to Guoji Company with the intention of stealing.
The prosecution alleges that the accused stole US$43,000 in cash and Le1,092,000, which were the property of the company.
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.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Eric A. Deen, who represented the prosecution, informed the court that copies of the case file and inquiry documents had been served on the defence counsel.
Defence counsel I. Conteh, Esq., representing both accused persons, applied for bail and assured the court that he had reliable sureties prepared to enter into recognisance on behalf of his clients.
Counsel argued that the accused would not interfere with prosecution witnesses and would not abscond if granted bail. He made the application pursuant to Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
However, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah declined to immediately grant bail, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences.
In a related development, counsel for the first accused, Ishmael Conteh, separately renewed a bail application, arguing that his client is a Sierra Leonean citizen with reliable sureties and would be available whenever required by the court.
Counsel reminded the court that the accused is only facing allegations and remains innocent until proven guilty. He relied on relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act in support of his application.
Meanwhile, counsel for the second accused, A.B. Sesay, also raised an objection to the prosecution’s position.
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah acknowledged the objection and ordered the prosecution to proceed with the matter on the next adjourned date. He further stated that he had heard the bail application made on behalf of the first accused and would consider it at the next sitting.
The matter has been adjourned to 14th August 2026 for further hearing.