Four individuals Sallieu Bangura, Sheku Sesay, Yayha Conteh, and Mohamed Jalloh, were brought to court on charges of larceny in a dwelling house, violating section 13(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

The charges stem from an incident on April 1st 2025, when Sallieu Bangura allegedly entered the home of Latoya Garber at No. 53 Wilkinson Road and stole a gold and diamond engagement ring valued at £3,000, equivalent to 96,000 leones.

Elizabeth Gabber, a housewife residing at 14 Victoria Street, Regent, took the stand before Magistrate Patrick Fofanah at Pademba Road Court No. 1. She identified the complainant and confirmed that Bangura had previously worked as a security guard at her apartment five years prior, while she did not recognize the other three defendants.

Elizabeth testified that on April 1, she was in Cape Verde when her daughter, Latoya, called to inform her about the missing ring. Concerned, she reached out to Bangura via WhatsApp, but he denied any knowledge of the ring’s whereabouts. On April 27, Latoya informed her that Bangura had allegedly confessed to taking the ring and selling it for 750 leones.

When asked by ASP Wellington about the significance of the ring, Elizabeth revealed it was a gift from her husband, purchased in England 37 years ago. She confirmed her ability to identify the ring, noting that it had become too tight for her over the years, prompting her to pass it on to Latoya for use.

Following the testimony, Elizabeth reported the incident to the Congo Cross Police Station. The defense counsel applied for bail for the accused, but Prosecutor ASP Wellington objected, citing the seriousness of the charges. Magistrate Patrick Fofanah indicated that the objection would be taken into account, and the matter was subsequently adjourned to the 28th May, 2025.