By Audrey Raymonda John
Mohamed Turay a labourer, Ishmael Sesay a security guard, Charles F. Yonjai IT technician and Sahr Kamanda a businessman made another appearance before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on three count charges to wit conspiracy contrary to law, store breaking and larceny contrary to section 26 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916 and receiving stolen goods contrary to section 33 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence on the 12th September, 2023 at the ECSL Wellington branch in the western area in Freetown, conspired together and with other persons unknown to commit a felony to wit store breaking and larceny.
On count two, the accused persons on the above date and place with intent to steal, broke into and stole one hundred and forty two (142) tablets valued at four million one hundred and ten Kenya Shillings equivalent to millions of leones properties of the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone on count three the fourth accused person on a date in September at PMB Wellington in the western area in Freetown, did receive eleven ECSL tablets valued at three hundred and eighteen thousand five hundred and thirty eight Kenya Shillings equivalent to hundreds of thousands of leones from Mohamed Turay knowing same to have been stolen.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ibrahim S. Mansaray lead Prosecution witness number one said Solomon Robert who works at the communications office at ICT supervises all the staff and he is in charge of the Wellington ICT office.
He said recognized 3 of the accused persons.
He claimed that the first accused is the son of one of their staff at the Wellington branch, and the second accused a security officer at the same Wellington branch, the third accused is a contract staff working under his supervision.
He recalled on 12th September 2023. At this juncture, the Prosecutor Ibrahim S Mansaray sought for a short date to engage his witness.
A bail application was made for and on behalf of the accused persons. Meanwhile, Magistrate Ngegba refused bail and sent the accused persons to the male facility in Freetown the matter was adjourned to 14th December, 2023.