By C4D Staff Writer
Three suspects, including a driver, student, and miner, appeared in court on Tuesday 17th of June 2025 over allegations of housebreaking and theft, accused of stealing valuables worth over 238,000 Leones from a Freetown home.
The accused persons appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown to answer charges related to conspiracy, housebreaking, and theft.
The accused are Patrick Ansumana, 36, a driver; Samuel Ansumana, 19, a student; and Foday Fornah, 45, a stone miner.
They face four counts: conspiracy to commit a crime, housebreaking and larceny, and receiving stolen goods. The charges stem from an incident that took place on January 3, 2025, at Ya-Marie Drive, Hill Station, in the Western Area of Freetown.
According to the particulars of the offence, the accused allegedly conspired to commit a crime with unknown persons.
On the same day, they are accused of breaking into the home of Bintu Sankoh, a businesswoman, and stealing valuables worth over 238,610 Leones, including 170,000 Leones in cash, seven hundred US dollars, and other household items.
Count two specifies that the accused broke into Sankoh’s residence with intent to steal and stole the listed items. Count three alleges that they received the stolen property knowing it was stolen.
When the charges were read, the accused did not enter a plea. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led the prosecution in presenting the case.
The key witness, Bintu Sankoh, testified that she was not at home during the incident as she was away conducting her business.
She recounted receiving a call from her neighbor, Mabinty, informing her of the break-in. Sankoh went to Akon police station to report the theft and was escorted with police officers to her residence.
Upon arrival, they found the accused at her property and arrested them. A search warrant was issued, and during the search, police recovered some of Sankoh’s missing valuables, including a large traveling bag, machines, her cash, and other items.
The stolen property, valued at approximately 238,610 Leones, was identified in the premises of Foday Fornah, the third accused, including cash, clothing, and household items.
Sankoh also provided photographs of the scene, which were admitted as evidence. She stated that she could identify the stolen items if seen again. She later gave a statement to the police.
The accused persons are currently on remand, with bail applications scheduled for July 4, 2025. Magistrate Fornah ordered the case to be adjourned until that date.
This case highlights ongoing concerns over housebreaking and theft within the community, emphasizing the need for vigilant security and swift judicial action.
Legal Note:
The case is ongoing, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
