By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Deputy Minister of Sports, Kai Lawrence Bayoh, took the stand on Monday, September 30, 2024, in the ongoing trial involving four men accused of conspiring to steal a 264-carat diamond valued at over $42 million (1 billion Leones). The accused, including miners Sheku Kabba (alias “ID Card”), Tamba Lebbie, Sahr Lebbie, and British businessman Jehad Basma, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing charges of conspiracy, embezzlement, and receiving stolen goods.
According to the prosecution, the alleged theft took place between May 20 and May 26, 2024, in Moryonfeh Village, Kono District. The first three accused miners are charged with fraudulently embezzling the massive diamond, which belonged to businessman Benjamin Merer. The fourth accused, Jehad Basma, is charged with knowingly receiving the stolen diamond.
During his testimony, Deputy Minister Bayoh detailed his involvement after being contacted by the complainant, Merer, regarding the diamond theft. Bayoh explained that two of the accused, Kabba and Lebbie, visited his home, asking for his support in the case and requesting him to falsely declare that the mining license for the site belonged to Kabba rather than to Aiah Lebbie.
The minister further testified that Kabba claimed to possess 39 additional diamonds and revealed that the stolen 264-carat diamond was with the third accused, Sahr Lebbie, whose brother had transported it to Freetown. Bayoh also recounted how a failed deal involving the diamond prompted him to report the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Pademba Road.
The defense, led by lawyer Jessie M. Jengo, cross-examined the Deputy Minister following his testimony. The trial has been adjourned to October 2, 2024, with bail continuing for all accused.
This high-profile case continues to grip public attention as it unfolds in the Freetown courts.