By: Audrey Raymonda John
Three defendants, including a police officer, on Thursday, 7 May 2026, made another appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, where they were again remanded over alleged robbery and kidnapping.
The accused are 34-year-old Simpson Vandi Kallon, a police officer; 36-year-old Mohamed Katalie Lamin, an employee of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA); and Eric Brima Byle, a private security guard attached to Chapter One Night Club.
They are facing three counts of conspiracy, robbery with aggravation, and kidnapping.
According to the charge sheet, on Sunday, 29 March 2026, at Touch Point Bar near Saint Mary Supermarket, Hill Cut, Freetown, the defendants allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to commit the offences.
On the second count, the prosecution alleged that the defendants, while armed with a pistol, robbed businessman Ibrahim Koroma of three gold chains valued at US$30,000, two mobile phones an iPhone 17 Pro Max valued at US$1,800 and an iPhone 17 valued at US$1,500 as well as US$140,000 and Le360,000 in cash. Police further alleged that personal violence was used against the complainant during the incident.
On the third count, the defendants allegedly kidnapped Ibrahim Koroma at Juba Bridge, Freetown, and held him hostage at G-Complex Guest House in Mile 91, where they reportedly demanded a ransom of US$300,000 for his release.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken.
During the proceedings, prosecution witness number one, Ibrahim Koroma, a businessman, was cross-examined in court by defence counsel Ibrahim F. Sawaneh.
Counsel put it to the witness that he had failed to provide any documents to the police proving that he was engaged in business activities. The witness responded in the negative.
The witness was further asked whether he was aware that, under the law, he was not permitted to possess such a large amount of money without proper documentation. Counsel also questioned whether he had any deposit slip showing that the money had been withdrawn from a bank and why he had not submitted such proof to the police. Koroma replied that the money had been given to him by someone else.
Defence counsel further stated that the witness had not informed the police that he operated a foreign account. The witness responded that the police had not asked him about it.
Counsel then suggested that the witness wanted the court to believe that he was carrying US$140,000 without any supporting evidence, to which the witness answered in the affirmative.
Referring to the witness’s police statement, counsel said Koroma had claimed he escaped from captivity through a manhole. The witness explained that he sustained injuries during the escape and received eleven stitches.
Counsel also pointed out that the witness had not submitted any business turnover reports or financial records to demonstrate his yearly earnings. The witness again answered “No.”
The defence further argued that Sierra Leonean law does not permit a person to hold more than US$10,000 outside banking institutions without proper documentation and suggested that the complainant himself could face prosecution. When asked to identify his business partner, Koroma named Rahim Bangura.
Counsel additionally accused the witness of not being truthful to the court regarding the alleged business partnership and questioned whether the business was legally registered. Koroma maintained that his business was registered.
The witness was also questioned about alleged involvement in drug-related activities, including the Kush trade. Counsel suggested that the complainant had deceived his business partner and attempted to escape, leading to his apprehension. Koroma denied all allegations relating to drug activities.
Regarding the first defendant, the witness stated that he did not know him personally but observed that he was dressed in police uniform during the incident.
Defence counsel thereafter applied for bail on behalf of the defendants pursuant to Section 76 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024. Counsel submitted that the first and second defendants are police officers, while the third defendant is a forest guard. He further argued that they are family breadwinners with reliable sureties willing and ready to enter into recognisance on their behalf.
However, Magistrate Jah refused bail and ordered that all three defendants be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 13 May 2026.