By: Audrey Raymonda John
Three defendants, including a serving police officer, on Monday, 28 April 2026, made their second appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, where they were again remanded on allegations of robbery with aggravation, conspiracy, and kidnapping.
The accused persons are 34-year-old Simpson Vandi Kallon, a police officer; 36-year-old Mohamed Katalie Lamin, an employee of the National Petroleum Authority (NPPA); and Eric Brima Byle, a private security guard at Chapter One Night Club.
They are facing three counts: conspiracy to commit a felony, robbery with aggravation, and kidnapping.
According to the charge sheet, on Sunday, 29 March 2026, at Touch Point Bar near Saint Mary Supermarket, Hill Cut, Freetown, the accused persons allegedly conspired with others yet to be identified to commit the offences.
On the second count, the prosecution alleged that the defendants, while armed with a pistol, robbed Ibrahim Koroma of three gold chains valued at $30,000, two mobile phones (an iPhone 17 Pro Max valued at $1,800 and an iPhone 17 valued at $1,500), as well as $140,000 and Le360,000 in cash. It was further alleged that the complainant was subjected to violence during the incident.
On the third count, the prosecution alleged that the defendants kidnapped Ibrahim Koroma at Juba Bridge, Freetown, and held him at G-Complex Guest House in Mile 91, where they reportedly demanded a ransom of $300,000 for his release.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken.
Defence counsel A. Boyse, representing the third defendant, applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, arguing that the charges remain allegations, that his client is not a flight risk, and that he has reliable sureties. The first and second defendants were not legally represented.
However, the prosecution, led by CSP Zizer on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, together with PM Fofanah and R.A. Naylender representing the complainant, informed the court that disclosures were not yet ready but would be provided before the next adjourned date. An affidavit opposing bail was also submitted.
Magistrate Jah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations, and ordered that all three defendants be remanded at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre.
The matter was adjourned to 30 April 2026 for further hearing.