By Fatima Kpaka
A motor apprentice, Ibrahim Suma, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown for his alleged involvement in the theft of 810 bags of cement, valued at NLe 125,550, from Queen Elizabeth II Quay. The accused appeared before Magistrate Bangura at Court No. 2 on Monday, October 7, 2024, to face charges related to the incident.
Suma is charged with two counts: conspiracy to commit a crime, contrary to law, and larceny by servant, contrary to Section 17(1a) of the Larceny Act of 1916. According to the particulars of the case, on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Freetown, Suma conspired with others to commit larceny, while being employed by Zak Building Materials. The prosecution alleges that Suma stole 810 bags of imported cement, property of Zak Building Materials.
During the hearing, when the charges were read to the accused, he did not enter a plea. The prosecution, led by ASP Dahlia Wellington, requested an adjournment, citing the absence of key witnesses. Wellington also presented an affidavit opposing bail, due to the gravity of the offense.
Defense counsel Samuel Wilson applied for bail on behalf of Suma, but Magistrate Bangura denied the request, considering the serious nature of the charges and the substantial value of the stolen goods.
The case has been adjourned to October 14, 2024, when the court is expected to hear witness testimonies.