23-Year-Old Man Remanded Over Alleged Theft at Ministry of Finance

Twenty-three-year-old Alpha Umaru has been remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2, on a two-count charge of larceny contrary to section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916, and malicious damage contrary to section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861.

According to the particulars of offence, on Monday, 23rd March 2026, at the Ministry of Finance on George Street in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly stole one generator control system, copper cables, and two 100-amp batteries, all valued at one hundred and forty-six thousand Leones (Le 146,000), property of the Ministry of Finance.

Count two further stated that on the same date and place, the defendant allegedly maliciously damaged a generator control system and copper cables valued at one hundred and thirty-seven thousand Leones (Le 137,000), property of the Ministry of Finance.

When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.

DPC 18235 Kebbie K. Thoronka, the lead prosecution witness, testified that Bundu Kargbo, a technician attached to the Ministry of Finance, recognized the defendant in the matter.

He stated that on 23rd March 2026, while at work, he discovered that the door to the generator room had been forced open, and the generator batteries were missing. He further noticed that the cables had been damaged.

The witness added that he reported the incident to Inspector Kamara, who visited the scene with him. The matter was subsequently reported to the administration of the Ministry, and police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department were invited.

He further told the court that the police later visited the scene, arrested the defendant, and brought him back, where he allegedly explained how he gained access to the generator room and committed the offence. The accused was later taken to CID Headquarters, where a statement was obtained from him.

Under cross-examination by the defendant, the witness maintained his testimony.

Magistrate Fornah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offence, and adjourned the matter to 24th June 2026.