By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mohamed Conteh and Mohamed Suma have been remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on two counts of conspiracy and larceny.
The accused persons are charged with conspiracy contrary to law and larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at Malama Thomas Street in the Western Area of Freetown, the two defendants allegedly conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a felony, namely larceny.
Count two further stated that, on the same date and at the same location, both defendants allegedly stole three rolls of sugar lace, five rolls of Mekado materials, twenty-seven wax cotton materials, and seventy-five yards of American fabric, all valued at Thirty-Seven Thousand Three Hundred and Fifty Leones (Le37,350), property of Ramatu Dumbuya.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons, both pleaded not guilty.
Led in evidence by Sergeant 3379 Theresa Ballay, prosecution witness number one, Ramatu Dumbuya, a trader, testified that she recognized both defendants. She stated that the first defendant had worked for her, while the second defendant was introduced to her by the first accused.
The witness recalled that on 5 May 2026, the first defendant brought the second defendant to her business premises and introduced him as someone who wanted to work with her. However, she told him that she did not know the second defendant and did not want him working for her.
She further testified that both defendants carried some bundles to the store and later returned to collect additional bundles. The following day, she discovered that the bundles had been opened and noticed that three rolls of sugar lace, seventy-five yards of American fabric, twenty-seven pieces of cotton material, and other items were missing, with a total estimated value of Le37,350.
According to the witness, she reported the matter to the owner of the store, Kadiatu, who later located the first defendant. She said they questioned him, and he allegedly admitted stealing the items and selling them to other individuals, promising to identify the buyers.
Following the alleged confession, the first defendant was arrested and taken to the Central Police Station, where the witness made a statement to the police.
The witness was cross-examined by both defendants.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Fornah refused bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offences charged and ordered that both defendants be remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 29 May 2026.