By: Audrey Raymonda John
The defendant in a two-count larceny matter, Albert Nuru Cole, has testified before Magistrate Julia Mary Gblo at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 5.
Cole is before the court on two counts of Larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Monday, February 13, 2026, along Pademba Road, the defendant allegedly stole one vehicle tyre valued at Le 700,000 from a Toyota RAV4 with registration number ANG 241, property of Chernor Ibrahim Mansaray.
On the second count, the court heard that the defendant allegedly stole a sum of 500 US dollars from the same vehicle, property of Nancy Augusta Kamara, while the vehicle was in the custody of Chernor Ibrahim Mansaray.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
In his testimony, the defendant, Albert Nuru Cole, a driver, told the court that he recognized the complainant in the matter. He explained that on Monday, February 13, 2026, a man identified as Muhammed, a fitter, informed him that a vehicle was at the CID and asked him to take a wheel to him at Murray Town for repairs, stating that his wife intended to travel with the vehicle to Conakry.
He said that upon receiving the request, he took the wheel to the CID to meet Abdul to confirm whether it belonged to him. However, he was stopped by police officers who questioned him. He alleged that the officers accused him of intending to transport “kush” and tramadol, which he denied, stating that he had only been sent to deliver the wheel.
The defendant further alleged that he was beaten by the officers and taken into custody. He stated that the police later called Abdul, who denied ownership of the wheel, explaining that his own vehicle was parked inside the CID premises.
He added that after about a week, police went to Muhammed and brought him to the CID for questioning, although he was not present at the time.
He stated that statements were taken from him, including an additional statement four days later.
Cole was cross-examined by Police Prosecutor 1515 Esther Tambo. Magistrate Julia Mary Gblo subsequently adjourned the matter to April 24, 2026, and ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending judgment.