By: Audrey Raymonda John
Twenty-seven-year-old mechanic Ibrahim Bah appeared before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura of Pademba Road Court No. 8 in Freetown, facing a charge of larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, sometime in September 2024, at Government Wharf, Western Area in Freetown, Ibrahim Bah allegedly stole a red Mercedes-Benz C-Class with registration number AQL 751, valued at two hundred and forty thousand Leones (240,000), which had been entrusted to him by Suliaman Bangura for repairs.
When the charge was read and explained to him, the accused pleaded not guilty.
Inspector Aminata Korio led the first prosecution witness, Suliaman Bangura, a civil servant, who testified that he knew the accused as a mechanic. Bangura recalled that in September 2024, he had taken his vehicle to a Mr. Sajor at Government Wharf Garage for repairs. Mr. Sajor later traveled abroad but provided Bah’s contact information and informed Bangura that Bah would be responsible for the vehicle in his absence.
On 23rd October 2024, Bangura contacted Bah to inquire about the vehicle. The accused confirmed that the vehicle was in his custody. Bah explained that the vehicle required repairs and requested money to purchase a battery, as Mr. Sajor had not left one. Bangura handed over the sum of 2,850 Leones for the purchase of the battery and other spare parts.
Subsequently, Bah informed Bangura that the key given to him by Mr. Sajor could not start the vehicle. Bah requested an additional 7,000 Leones to purchase a new key. Bangura, unable to provide the money at that time, allowed Bah an additional month to complete the repairs. After a month, Bangura attempted to contact the accused, but Bah was unresponsive.
Bangura then went to the garage to check on his vehicle, only to discover that it was no longer there. He reported the matter to Mr. Dauda, the accused’s boss. Mr. Dauda called Bah, who claimed that Mr. Sajor had instructed him to remove the vehicle from the garage. Bangura provided proof of ownership, including the vehicle’s life card, which was produced and tendered in court as part of the evidence.
Bangura subsequently reported the matter to the police.
The witness was cross-examined by S.J. Saque Esq., who renewed his previous bail application on behalf of the accused.
Magistrate Samura refused to grant bail due to the seriousness of the offence. The case has been adjourned to 15th September 2025.