By: Audrey Raymonda John
Ibrahim Kamara, a 21-year-old unemployed individual, made another appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing two charges: office breaking and larceny, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act 1916, and malicious damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861.
According to the particulars of the offense, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at #4c Tengbeh Town, Kamara allegedly broke into the office of Defence for Children International with the intent to steal. He is accused of stealing 5,500 Leones, three pairs of slippers, and other assorted items, totaling 27,500 Leones, all property of Defence for Children International, while in the custody of Serah Saffa.
On the second count, Kamara is charged with maliciously damaging a cabinet, a ceiling, and a lock, with a total value of 8,150 Leones, also belonging to Defence for Children International.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Isatu Baba Musa led prosecution witness number one, John Tarawally, a finance officer at Defence for Children International. Tarawally testified that he knew both the complainant and the accused. On the day of the incident, he received a call from the complainant, informing him of the break-in. He rushed to the office and observed that the ceiling of the Director’s office was damaged. He also noted that the CCTV camera was missing, as well as the laptop of the Administrator and the Manager’s office, and some pairs of slippers and trousers. Tarawally advised the Admin Officer to report the matter to the police. He later provided a statement at the Congo Cross Police Station.
The accused person was not legally represented and cross-examined the witness himself.
Magistrate Bangura refused bail and remanded the accused person to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to April 7, 2025.