By Hannah Sanusie
Thirty-six-year-old Patrick Ansumana, a driver; nineteen-year-old Samuel Ansumana, a student; and forty-five-year-old Foday Fornah, a stone miner, made their first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on three counts of conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law, house breaking and larceny contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916, and receiving stolen goods contrary to Section 33(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, on Friday, 3rd January, 2025, at Ya-Marie Drive, Hill Station, in Freetown, the defendants conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a crime.
The indictment furthered that on the same date and place, the defendants, with intent to steal, broke and entered into the dwelling house of Bintu Sankoh and stole the sum of Le170, 000, USD 700 and other assorted items, all valued at Le 238, 610 (Two Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Ten Leones) all properties of Bintu Sankoh.
The indictment also alluded that on the same date and place, the defendants did receive the sum of Le 170, 000, USD 700, and other assorted items valued at Le 238, 610, knowing that they have been stolen.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, no plea was taken.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sorie Conteh led in evidence Prosecution Witness No. 3, DPC 14125 Abdul Momoh Kassim, attached to the Mountain Division Police Station as a Crime Writer and Exhibit Officer. He recalled that on 31st March, 2025, while on duty, DPC 19799 Kamara A.M. brought to the station and handed over the following items: one glass mirror, two charnel frame pipes, five hammers, and one white bathtub. He said he registered the said items in the Crime Exhibit Book under Serial Number 22/2025. The exhibits were produced and tendered in court to form part of the court records.
The witness was cross-examined by Defence Counsel, J.T. Mansaray Esq.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Fornah adjourned the matter to 21st October, 2025, while bail for the defendants continued.