By: Audrey Raymonda John
Ibrahim Sorie Dumbuya, a fisherman, appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on a charge of store-breaking and larceny contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, the accused allegedly, on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Cape Sierra Hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown, unlawfully broke into the hotel store, managed by Shashi Prakash Singh, with intent to steal.
The charge sheet states that the accused stole three mattresses valued at Le1,000 each (total Le3,000), three electric fans valued at Le300 each (total Le900), twelve concrete metal curb frames valued at Le2,000 each (total Le24,000), and two metal beds valued at Le1,000 each (total Le2,000). The total value of the stolen items is Le29,900, all belonging to Shashi Prakash Singh while in his custody at the hotel.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken.
In his explanation to the court, the defendant said he is a fisherman based in Guinea and had come to Sierra Leone on holiday with his employer. He claimed that he was misled by a friend who asked him to escort him to the hotel, claiming he worked there, and that he was unaware of any plan to steal from the store.
The defendant further explained that after escorting his friend to the hotel, he stood by the door while his friend handed items to him to place outside the building. He was apprehended while moving the items, while his friend allegedly escaped by jumping through a window. He added that he has not seen the friend since the incident, has no relatives in Sierra Leone, and that his employer has since returned to Guinea.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sorie Conteh and was adjourned to February 2, 2026, for further proceedings.