Samuel Kallon 
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the community of Kenema, the accused Richard Brima on Monday 26th May, 2025 made another appearance before Magistrate Patrick Fofanah of Pademba Road Court No.1 charged with the offenses of robbery with violence and assault causing actual bodily harm leaving the complainant penniless.
The charges stem from an alleged attack on a prominent local businessman, Abdulai Darboh, who serves as the President of the Scrap Metal Association.
The harrowing events unfolded on the evening of Thursday, October 3, 2024, around 8:00pm at Gava Forestry quarters, located in the Nongowa Chiefdom of the Kenema District, Eastern Province of Sierra Leone.
The charge sheet further reports that accused Brima, being with a gang of thugs, brazenly assaulted complainant Darboh, robbing him of a staggering sixteen thousand United States dollars ($16,000) equivalent to twenty thousand new leones (Le20,000), and a valuable silver wristwatch.
The prosecution witness Alusine Williams took the witness stand, recounting a chilling encounter he had just moments before the robbery.
Williams who was walking near the Gava entrance gate at former Kenema Forestry quarters was warned by a young boy whom he had treated kindly in the past not to enter the area, cautioning him that Brima had brought his accomplices with him.
Williams said he stood at the entrance gate hesitating to go inside and suddenly, one of Brima’s associates shouted that anyone who dared to enter would be dealt with severely.
The courtroom was tense as the prosecution witness laid out the details of the night, but due to inconsistencies in the witness’ statements, Magistrate Fofanah decided to continue Brima’s bail. The matter has been adjourned to June 5th, 2025, for further clarification, leaving the community on edge as they await the next chapter in this unfolding drama.
As the investigation continues, the people of Kenema are left grappling with the implications of such violence in their once peaceful neighborhood, hoping for justice and safety in the days to come.
