By: Audrey Raymonda John
Cardiologist and Dean of Medicine at Connaught Government Hospital, Dr James Russell, has taken two businessmen to court over allegations involving the theft of a medical diagnostic machine valued at US$37,100 and the fraudulent acquisition of money under false pretences.
The two accused persons, Abdul Jabbie Mansaray and Joseph Bellon, were remanded in custody on Monday, 27 July 2026, by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.
They are facing five counts of conspiracy, larceny, obtaining money by false pretences, and receiving stolen goods, offences alleged to be contrary to the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, the first accused, Abdul Jabbie Mansaray, allegedly conspired with other persons unknown on 13 January 2026 at No. 3 Bathurst Street, Freetown, to commit larceny.
The prosecution further alleges that on the same date and location, Mansaray stole a Vivid IQ Echo Machine valued at US$37,100, which is the property of Professor Dr James Russell.
The court was also informed that on 28 and 29 January 2026, Mansaray allegedly obtained Le2,500 from Fatmata Jullet Nicolls and Le1,015 from George Russell through Orange Money. The prosecution claims that the funds were obtained after Mansaray falsely represented that the money was needed for transportation to recover and produce the stolen Vivid IQ Echo Machine.
The fifth count alleges that Joseph Bellon, between 13 and 28 January 2026 at Kossoh Town, Freetown, received the Vivid IQ Echo Machine from Mansaray, knowing or having reason to believe that it was stolen property belonging to Professor Dr James Russell.
Both accused persons did not enter pleas after the charges were read to them, as the matter is before the court through committal proceedings.
State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay applied for a short adjournment to allow the prosecution to prepare and call its first witness.
Magistrate Fornah denied bail, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences, and ordered that both accused persons be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The matter has been adjourned to 3 August 2026 for further proceedings.