By: Audrey Raymonda John
Abdul Fofanah, a security officer attached to Spur View Estate in the western area of Freetown, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility over the alleged theft of an 8.5 KVA generator valued at Le58,000, reportedly belonging to Santigie M’bayo.
The defendant appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1, where the charge was read and explained to him. He pleaded not guilty.
Testifying in court, the second prosecution witness (PW2), Santigie M’bayo, a student, told the court that he knew the defendant and the first prosecution witness (PW1) through PW1.
Led in evidence by Inspector Kadie Taylor, M’bayo recalled that on June 4, 2026, he was at the compound when an incident involving the defendant occurred.
He explained that they were working at the back of the compound while the defendant was washing some items. According to the witness, the defendant later went to the security post while they continued working behind the house.
The witness further testified that after completing their work in the evening, he decided to leave but could not find the defendant.
He said he contacted PW1 and informed him that he would wait for him. However, after waiting until about 10:00 p.m. without seeing either the defendant or PW1, he decided to leave.
M’bayo told the court that the defendant’s responsibility was to provide security for the compound.
He further testified that the following day, PW1 informed him that he had tried unsuccessfully to contact the defendant.
Following the development, the witness said he made a statement at the Lumley Police Station.
The witness was subsequently cross-examined by the defendant.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Jah refused bail and remanded the defendant at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to October 20, 2026, for further proceedings.