By: Audrey Raymonda John
34 years-old Abdul Aziz Bangura a laborer appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No. 1 in Freetown for allegedly conspiring with unknown persons to rob the complainant, Alie Khalifeh of his IPhone Pro Max valued at thirteen thousand Leones (NLe13, 000).
The accused, Abdul Aziz Bangura, Alias Mendo was arrested on 12th August, 2023 by Detective Sergeant 8818 Sesay F.K and appeared before the court on four counts charges of conspiracy, robbery with violence, wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
It was alleged that the accused, on 5th August, 2023 at Queen Elizabeth Il Quay, in Freetown, conspired with unknown persons to commit a felony, to wit, robbery with violence.
The charge sheet furthered that the accused, on same date and place in Freetown, robbed the complainant, Alie Khalifeh of his iphone pro max valued at NLe13,000 and at the same time assaulted and wounded the complainant in a manner thereby causing him grievous bodily harm.
Led in evidence by Police Constable 19576 Sesay I prosecution witness (PW)1, Detective Sergeant Sesay F.K attached residing at Jalloh Terrance in Freetown.
Detective Sesay is also attached to the Anti-Robbery Unit at the Regional Ross Road Police, Harbour Division in Freetown said he recognized the accused including the complainant and could recall Saturday 5th August 2023.
Sergeant Sesay on the said date he was on duty at the said police station when the complainant arrested and brought in the accused and reported a case against the accused.
He said the matter was assigned to him by his boss Officer in Charge (OC) for further investigations.
On the same day, PW1 said he issued the complainant with a police medical request form treatment, adding that on 6th August 2023 he and Detective Inspector Kabba M. Z obtained a voluntary caution statement from the accused, which he admitted to it to be true and correct by affixing his right thumbprint, witnessed by Detective Inspector Kabba M. Z.
The accused’s voluntary caution statement was produced and tendered marked exhibits A1-10.
Sesay said on 9th August, 2023 the complainant returned the endorsed medical paper to police and on the same date, he obtained statements from the complainant and his witnesses.
On the same date he added he and Detective Inspector Kabba M. Z including the complainant visited the crime scene, but nothing of police interest was discovered.
He said on 12th August charged the accused with the offences of conspiracy robbery with violence, wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to law.
The charge statement was produced and tendered in evidence.
The accused was not legally represented when Magistrate Kekura accorded him an opportunity to cross examine witness, responding, he told the court that he had no questions for him.
The accused is on bail and the matter was adjourned to 5th October, 2023 for further hearing.
