By Fatima Kpaka
Alusine Conteh, a mining agent residing in Kenema District in Eastern Sierra Leone, has on Tuesday 14th November 2023 narrated before Magistrate Marke Ngegba of Pademba Road Court No1 how his diamonds valued at Le 511, 589 were stolen.
The accused persons made their second appearance in court on the day and where they were charged with Conspiracy, House Breaking and Larceny, Receiving Stolen Goods and Fraudulent Conversion all contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
According to the information on the indictment the accused persons sometimes in August 2023, at Baoma Oil Village, kendu Leppiama Chiefdom in the Kenema with intent to defraud conspired with other persons unknown to defraud Alusine Mohamed Conteh of a four-carat fifteen percent (4.15) diamond valued at Le 477,250 new Leones.
The police further alleged on count two that the accused, Ibrahim Barrie on Friday 25th August 2023 at Baoma Oil Mill Village with intent to steal, break and entered into the dwelling house of Moses Brima Conteh and stole from there four carat fifteen percent diamond valued Le 477,250 new Leones, Le 7,912 new notes, seventy three percent diamond valued Le 5,037, and one carat fifty five percent diamond valued Le 21,390 all to the total valued of NLE 511,589 property of Alusine Mohamed Conteh whiles in custody of Moses Brima Conteh.
It was further alleged on count three that the accused Sao Fefegulah sometimes in September 2023, at the same town did receive one four carat fifteen percent diamond valued Le 477,250 new Leones from Ibrahim Barrie knowing same to have been stolen.
Whiles count four added that the accused Sao Fefegulah on the same date and place in Kenema District fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit one four carat fifteen percent diamond valued Le 477,250 new Leones entrusted to him by Ibrahim Barrie for the purpose of sale, property of Alusine Mohamed Conteh.
Led in evidence by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ibrahim S. Mansaray, Alusine Conteh who gave his occupation as a miner residing in Kenema recognized the accused persons in the dock in respect of the matter.
He said sometimes in August 2023 year, he was at his mining site doing washing when he gave 12 pieces of diamonds to his brother, Ibrahim Sorie Conteh for safe keeping.
The Complainant said he called his brother to bring the diamond he had given to him for safe keeping and when his brother brought them he counted them and discovered that four pieces were missing.
He said that when he enquired from his brother as to what had happened, he did not respond. ”My lord I reported the matter to the Section Chief and the first accused Ibrahim Barrie confessed to stealing them and selling one to someone at Senbehun”, the complainant said. The Complainant added that the first accused also stated that he gave the other piece to the second accused for sale.
Explaining further the complainant said that the first diamond was 4 carats 15 % and the others 86%, and 73%.
The total amount of missing diamonds is worth Le 511, 589 New Leones.
He said he immediately reported the matter to the police who obtained statement from him.
During Cross examination by defense Counsel Chernor Kamara, the complainant recognized both accused persons as his neighbors and revealed that it was the first accused who voluntarily told them he was the one who stole the diamond.
At the conclusion of the cross examination, defense counsel Chernor Kamara renewed his application for bail, which failed and the accused persons were ordered to be remanded at the male correctional centre until the 27th of November for continuation of the investigation.