By Musa Paul Feika
Charles Mustapha and Ibrahim William have made their first appearance before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba Road Court No.1 for maliciously damaging a concrete structure and other properties valued at forty-nine million, four hundred and forty nine thousand leones (Le49, 449,000) belonging to the complainant, Samuel Kargbo.
When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty. It was against that backdrop, the police prosecutor Sergeant Bona P. sought for an adjournment for her to have a proper conference with her witness, which Magistrate Ngegba granted.
Though the accused were not legally represented, Magistrate Ngegba granted a bail of forty million leones (Le40, 000, 000) to each with sureties who should reside in Freetown. Each surety should furnish the court with valid I.D. cards and bail should be approved by the Deputy Master and Registrar.
The accused appeared before the court on three counts of conspiracy, malicious damage and larceny, all contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
The police alleged that Charles Mustapha and Ibrahim Williams on 1st January 2021 at Goderich in Freetown conspired with others to commit a felony, to wit, malicious damage.
The charge sheet alluded that both accused on the same date and place in Freetown maliciously damaged a concrete structure valued at twelve million leones (Le12, 000,000).
The charge sheet also stated that both accused on the same date and address stole a foam mattress valued at one million eight hundred thousand leones (Le1, 800,000) and other properties worth Le49, 449,000 belonging to complainant Samuel Kargbo.
The matter was adjourned to 21st February 2022.