By: Audrey Raymonda John
Thirty-nine-year-old Mendayga Salia, a civil servant and police officer, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on a count charge of embezzlement, contrary to Section 17(2) (b) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on a date unknown between July 1 and September 28, 2026, in Freetown, Salia, being employed by the Inspector General of Police, allegedly fraudulently embezzled Le104,200 and US$900, said to be equivalent to Le22,140, bringing the total amount involved to Le126,340.
The money was alleged to be the property of the Sierra Leone Police.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken, as the matter is proceeding by way of committal proceedings.
The prosecution was represented by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dellia Wellington, Esq., who informed the court that she had served defence counsel with copies of the case file and inquiry file.
Counsel for the accused, M.A. Turay, Esq., applied for bail on behalf of his client. He argued that Salia is a Sierra Leonean resident within the jurisdiction of the court and would not abscond if granted bail.
Counsel made the application pursuant to Section 76(1) (c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
However, Magistrate Jah refused the bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offence.
The matter was adjourned to October 13, 2026.