In a case before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 Augustine Smith was remanded over stealing SLE 28,000 from his ex-girlfriend ATM card for a trip with Qnet to travel overseas.

Smith has confessed to stealing his ex-girlfriend’s ATM card, withdrawing SLE 28,000, and using the funds to finance a trip with Qnet, a multi-level marketing company.

Smith before Principal Magistrate Sahr Kekura pleaded guilty to larceny for stealing SLE 28,000 from Salamatu Sankoh’s United Bank for Africa (UBA) account using her ATM card.

The incident took place on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at UBA’s headquarters on Rawdon Street in Freetown. Police allege that Smith unlawfully accessed Sankoh’s account and withdrew the money.

During the court proceedings, Smith admitted to the theft, revealing that he and Sankoh were previously in a relationship and shared a child.

When questioned by Magistrate Kekura about the purpose of the stolen funds, Smith explained that he intended to travel abroad with Qnet in hopes of securing better opportunities for his child. However, the trip did not come to fruition.

Sankoh, confirming that she and Smith are no longer together but co-parent their child, disclosed that she had saved the money for their child’s well-being, as Smith was not fulfilling his parental duties. She also mentioned that Smith still had occasional access to her residence when visiting her and their child.

Magistrate Kekura ordered Smith to be remanded in custody at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road, Freetown.