By: Audrey Raymonda John
Hon. Justice Mustapha Mohamed Bawoh has discharged 29-year-old Timothy Nabieu for prosecution after the State failed to present any evidence against him during the trial.
The accused had been standing trial on two counts of office breaking and larceny, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, Timothy Nabieu was alleged to have, on Sunday, 2 June 2024, broken into the office of Peninsula Secondary School and stolen three Dell desktop computers valued at Le36,000, two computer stands valued at Le500, four trumpets valued at Le8,000, and one electronic sewing machine valued at Le11,000. The total value of the allegedly stolen items was Le55,500, all property of Peninsula Secondary School.
During the proceedings, defence counsel C. Taylor Young informed the court that the accused had been in custody since 2024 and that the prosecution had failed to make any meaningful progress in the matter. Counsel submitted that no witness had testified and no evidence had been led against the accused despite his lengthy detention.
He therefore applied for the matter to be dismissed for want of prosecution.
After hearing the application, Hon. Justice Bawoh granted the request and discharged the accused for want of prosecution.
The matter was subsequently struck out due to the prosecution’s failure to proceed with the case.
State Counsel A.B.N. Taylor-Kamara represented the State in the matter.