Allegations of a coordinated conspiracy and theft have surfaced at the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone’s (ECSL) Wellington Branch in Freetown’s Western Area, implicating a group of individuals in a felony involving store breaking and larceny.

In a recent development at the Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, four individuals Mohamed Turay, a Labourer; Ishmael Sesay, a Private Security Officer; Charles F. Yonjai, an IT Technician; and Sahr Kamanda, a Businessman made their inaugural appearance before Magistrate Mark Ngegba. They faced a trio of charges, including Conspiracy, Store Breaking, and Larceny, as well as Receiving Stolen Goods, all of which contravene sections of the Larceny Act 1916.

The charges stemmed from an incident dated September 12th, 2023, at the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone’s (ECSL) Wellington Branch in the Western Area of Freetown. Allegedly, the accused individuals collaborated and conspired with others unknown to commit a felony, specifically store breaking and larceny. On the aforementioned date and location, they purportedly broke in with intent and stole 142 tablets valued at four million one hundred and ten Kenyan Shillings, equivalent to millions of Leones, the property of the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone.

Additionally, the fourth accused person reportedly received eleven ECSL Tablets valued at three hundred and eighteen thousand five hundred and thirty-eight Kenyan Shillings, equivalent to hundreds of thousands of Leones, from Mohamed Turay, being fully aware that the items were stolen.

Upon the reading and explanation of the charges, all accused individuals pleaded not guilty. However, the prosecution witness was notably absent from the court proceedings, prompting a request for a brief adjournment.

Subsequently, the accused individuals were remanded to the male facility in Freetown. The case has been adjourned to December 11th, 2023, for further hearing. The Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ibrahim S. Mansaray, is prosecuting the case.