By: Audrey Raymonda John
Two businessmen, Abdul Jabba Mansaray and Joseph Bellon, on Tuesday made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing five counts including conspiracy, larceny, obtaining money by false pretences, and receiving stolen goods under the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charges include conspiracy to commit a felony, larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916, obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 32(1), and receiving stolen goods contrary to Section 33(1) of the same Act.
According to the charge sheet, Abdul Jabba Mansaray allegedly conspired with other unknown persons on 13 January 2026 at No. 3 Bathurst Street, Freetown, to commit larceny.
He is further accused of stealing one Vivid IQ Echo Machine valued at $37,100, property of Professor Dr. James Russell, on the same date and at the same location.
The prosecution also alleges that on 28 and 29 January 2026, Mansaray, with intent to defraud, obtained Le2,500 from Fatmata Jullet Nicolls and Le1,015 from George Russell via Orange Money, falsely claiming the money was needed for transport to produce the stolen equipment.
The fifth count states that Joseph Bellon allegedly received the stolen Vivid IQ Echo Machine, valued at $37,100, between 13 January and 28 January 2026 at Kossoh Town, Freetown, knowing it to be stolen property belonging to Professor Dr. James Russell.
When the charges were read, no plea was taken.
State Prosecutor Y.I. Sesay informed the court that he had only recently received instructions to handle the matter and requested a short adjournment to familiarize himself with the case file and confer with witnesses. He also noted that this was the second appearance of the accused persons.
Defence counsel A.B. Sesay, representing the first defendant, renewed a bail application, arguing that the accused was prepared to stand trial, had reliable sureties, and posed no flight risk. He further noted that the prosecution had not made significant progress in the matter. Counsel for the second defendant also applied for bail.
However, Magistrate John Manso Fornah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offences, and ordered that both defendants be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre.
The matter was adjourned to 4 May 2026 for further hearing.