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The Pademba Road Court No.1 has reportedly adjourned the alleged container theft case involving ten accused persons after the prosecution and defence disagreed over procedural requirements relating to legal notices filed before the court.
The matter, which came before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah on Thursday, August 6, 2026, was adjourned to August 13, 2026, to allow both parties to comply with court procedures and enable the defence to prepare its witnesses.
The accused persons, including Abu Bakarr Kabba Mansaray and Ibrahim Ahmed Kargbo, are facing allegations of conspiracy, theft, forgery, and obstruction of justice in connection with the alleged theft of a shipping container at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.
During the hearing, State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay, Esq., raised concerns over the documents served by the defence, arguing that the defence had submitted only a notice of intention to cross-examine witnesses instead of a formal application required under the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
The prosecution urged the court to ensure strict compliance with the law before allowing further proceedings in the matter.
However, defence counsel disagreed with the prosecution’s position, arguing that the notice served was sufficient and properly communicated their intention to cross-examine witnesses. They described the prosecution’s interpretation as overly technical and asked the court to allow the case to proceed.
Magistrate Jah did not deliver an immediate ruling on the procedural disagreement but instead granted an adjournment to give both sides time to file the necessary notices and documents.
The court’s decision also provides additional time for the defence to prepare its witnesses after the prosecution indicated its intention to cross-examine them.
The accused persons are alleged to have conspired to steal a shipping container, forged staff identification cards, and interfered with evidence during a police investigation. The case will resume on August 13, 2026.
