By: Audrey Raymonda John
Alusine Conteh a mining agent residing at Kenema , Northern Sierra Leone has disclosed before magistrate Marke Ngegba of Pademba Road Court number one on how his diamond worth (Le511, 589) was stolen.
The accused persons made their first appearance in court and were charged with four counts ranging from Conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to law, House breaking and larceny contrary to section 26(1) of the larceny Act 1916, receiving stolen goods and fraudulently conversion all contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
According to the indictments on count one, the accused persons sometimes in August 2023, at Baoma oil village, kendu Leppiama chiefdom in the Kenema district in the Eastern Region with intent to defraud conspired together with other person’s unknown to defraud Alusine Mohamed Conteh four carat fifteen percent (4.15) diamond valued Le 477,250 new Leones.
The police further alleged on count two that the accused Ibrahim Barrie on Friday 25th August 2023 at Baoma oil mill village with intent to steal, break and entered into the dwelling house of Moses Brima Conteh and stole therein in four carat fifteen percent diamond valued Le 477,250 new Leones, eight six percent diamond valued Le 7,912 new notes, seventy three percent diamond valued Le 5,037, and one carat fifty five percent diamond valued Le 21,390 all to the total valued of NLE 511,589 property of Alusine Mohamed Conteh whiles in custody of Moses Brima Conteh.
It was further alleged on count three that the accused Sao Fefegulah sometimes in September 2023, at the same town did received one four carat fifteen percent diamond valued Le 477,250 new Leones from Ibrahim Barrie knowing same to have been stolen.
Whiles counts four added that the accused Sao Fefegulah on the same date and place in Kenema district fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit certain property that is to say one four carat fifteen percent diamond valued Le 477,250 new Leones entrusted to him by Ibrahim Barrie for the purpose of sale, property of Alusine Mohamed Conteh.
Led in evidence by Assistant Superintendent of police, Ibrahim S Mansaray, Alusine Conteh who gave his occupation as a miner, residing in Kenema recognized the accused persons in the dock in respect of the matter.
He said sometimes in August this year, he was at his mining site during his washing process and at the same time gave twelve prices of diamonds to his brother Ibrahim Sorie Conteh for safe keeping.
Complainant said he called his brother to bring the diamond he gave to him for safe keeping and when he counted them he discovered that eight pieces are shorten.
He said he enquired from his brother as to what happen but to no avail. ” My lord I reported the matter to the section chief and the first accused Ibrahim Barrie confessed stealing them and sold one to someone at Senbehun”, complainant said. Complainant said first accused also stated that he gave the other piece to second accused for sale.
Explaining further complainant said the first diamond he said were 4 carat fifteen percent and the other 86 percent, 73%.
The total amount of missing diamonds was 511, 589 Leones.
Complainant calculated the total worth of the diamond that was stolen amounting to five hundred and eleven million, five hundred and eighty nine Leones.
He said he immediately reported the matter to the police who obtained statement from him.
Cross examined by defense counsel Chernor Kamara, complainant confirmed that he recognized both accused persons as his neighbors.
Complainant in another question put to him responded that the diamond allegedly stolen wax in custody of his brother. He said when the theft was discovered, it was the first accused who voluntarily told them he was the one that stole them.
At the conclusion of cross examination, defense counsel Chernor Kamara renewed his application for bail. His application was refused and the accused was ordered to be remanded at the male correctional center until the 27th of November for continuation.