By Audrey Raymonda John
In a solemn session at Pademba road court No.2 in Freetown on Tuesday, 30th April 2024, Osman Chigi, a twenty-six-year-old metal worker, made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura. He faced a charge of House Breaking and Larceny as per Section 26 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the details of the offense, on Sunday, 18th February 2024, at Juba Hill, Freetown, Chigi allegedly broke into the dwelling of Riasatalie Siyan and made off with valuables amounting to one thousand nine hundred Dollars, including an iPad, memory stick, and assorted items valued at eighty thousand seven hundred and fifty Leones (80,750). Riasatalie Siyan, the supervisor of LOR Restaurant, testified as the prosecution’s first witness.
Siyan recounted that he recognized the accused person as James through a mutual acquaintance, Mr. Paul. On the day of the incident, Chigi was hired to work at Siyan’s residence as a house help under Mr. Paul’s recommendation. Upon returning home after work, Siyan discovered his house ransacked and several items missing, including cash. Despite efforts to locate Chigi, he was found hours later at Lumley beach, where he was apprehended with the assistance of Siyan’s brother.
During cross-examination, Chigi claimed familiarity with Siyan through Mr. Paul, as he had been engaged to assist with household tasks.
Despite the absence of legal representation for Chigi, Sergeant 9155 Dwight Macarthy led the prosecution’s case. Magistrate Bangura, after hearing the testimony, declined bail and remanded Chigi to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to the 8th May 2024 for further proceedings.