By: Audrey Raymonda John
Two men, Ibrahim Aziz Jalloh and Musa Bendu, have been committed to the High Court by Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 to stand trial for their alleged involvement in a robbery at Ocean View Beach Bar and Restaurant in Aberdeen, Freetown.
The defendants are facing two counts: conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law and robbery with aggravation, contrary to Section 23(1)(a) of the Larceny Act, 1916, as repealed and replaced by Section 1 of the Schedule to the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act, 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022).
According to the particulars of the offence, on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Ocean View Beach Bar and Restaurant in Aberdeen, Western Area, Freetown, the defendants allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to commit robbery with aggravation.
The second count alleged that, on the same date and at the same location, the defendants, while armed with a knife, attacked and robbed Fred Banya of a brown leather wallet containing US$50 and Le1, 200 in cash. The total value of the stolen property was stated in court as Le2, 410.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, no plea was taken, as the matter was before the court for committal proceedings.
The prosecution was led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Delilah Wellington, who presented evidence in support of the charges. Following the prosecution’s testimony, the case file was withdrawn for ruling.
Both defendants were unrepresented by legal counsel throughout the proceedings.
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah said that, having considered the evidence presented by the prosecution, including statements allegedly made by the defendants at the police station, he was satisfied that sufficient evidence had been established to warrant committing the matter to the High Court for trial.
He subsequently committed both defendants to the High Court.
The defendants were remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown pending further proceedings.