By: Audrey Raymonda John
Three young men Foday Samura (30), Alhaji Sesay (24), and Suma Sow (23) made their initial court appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8 in Freetown, facing two charges: conspiracy to commit a crime and larceny under Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916. at #21 Pike Street, Western Area, Freetown.
Offence: The trio allegedly conspired with others to commit larceny, subsequently stealing one blue drum, nine pairs of men’s footwear, and other assorted items valued at Leones 7,750 property belonging to Lilian Jalloh.
When the charges were read to the accused, they all pleaded not guilty. None had legal representation.
Magistrate Samura denied bail, ordering that the accused be remanded to the Male Correctional Facility at Pademba Road. The matter was adjourned to 7 August 2025 for further proceedings.
Similar cases heard at Pademba Road Magistrate Court reflect a stringent approach particularly where theft involves conspiracy and property value. Magistrates routinely deny bail in cases seen as flight risks or requiring thorough police investigations. For instance, defendants in theft cases involving cash or materials such as in Kei Kamara’s USD 7,000 theft and cable theft cases were denied bail and remanded to correctional facilities during court proceedings.
Likewise, larceny allegations involving sums even modest ones of a few thousand Leones often result in bail refusal and remand, especially when legal representation is absent.
This case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to prosecuting theft offenses with due gravity and reinforces the procedural norms followed in property-related criminal matters in Sierra Leone.