Olanreweju Erinle, the Country Manager of Emzor Pharmaceutical testified against three of the company’s employees in court.

The accused individuals, identified as Jimmy Tao, Daniel Conteh, and Morlai Kamara, made their second appearance before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Court No. 1. They have been charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, contrary to law, and larceny by a servant, in violation of section 17(1)(a) of the Larceny Act 1916.

The charges against them allege that on October 10, 2023, at No. 6 Walpole Street, Freetown, with the intent to steal, the accused individuals conspired with others unknown to commit larceny by a servant.

Furthermore, the police claim that the accused, who were employed as Inventory Assistants/Sales Assistants by Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry, stole a significant quantity of medical supplies on the same date. These stolen items include 184 pieces of Ulsakit, 38 cups of Em-vit C, 31 cartons of Folic Acid, 122 packets of Zolat tablets, 167 packets of Emgyl blisters, and various other medicines, with a total estimated value of NLE 403,362.100, all of which belonged to Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry.

Olanreweju Erinle, the Country Manager of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry, took the stand as the second prosecution witness. Erinle confirmed the accused individuals as employees of Emzor and recalled the events of October 10, 2023.

Erinle explained that on that day, he received information from the Inventory Officer regarding the missing drugs. Upon investigation, it was discovered that no doors were compromised, and there was no sign of forced entry. Instead, various pharmaceutical products were found to be missing.

The accused individuals denied any involvement in the theft when questioned. However, Erinle’s subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the third accused person, who had sold some of the stolen drugs to a client. This revelation was crucial in the investigation.

Sorie Bangura, a security guard working for the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, also testified as the third prosecution witness. He recalled the events of October 10, 2023, and provided information about the accused individuals’ actions.

After the testimonies, Magistrate Mark Ngegba granted bail to the accused persons, setting it at 200,000 new Leones each, with one surety each in a similar sum. The sureties are required to be gainfully employed, have title deeds worth no less than 100 million Leones, and possess an NCRA identity card. The case is scheduled for further proceedings on November 16, 2023.