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A teenage pupil in Kenema, Francis Gassimu Massaquoi, has been handed a four-year prison sentence for stealing a smartphone, in what the presiding magistrate described as a warning to habitual offenders.
Awoko reports that the 18-year-old student was convicted by Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Court No. 1 in Kenema after he pleaded guilty to a charge of larceny. Massaquoi was accused of stealing an Infinix Smart mobile phone valued at NLe 3,500 on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, at the United Muslim Association Secondary School in the Kakajama section of Kenema.
Police Constable Fatmata Sillah, attached to the Justice Support Department of the Kenema Police Division, told the court that the phone belonged to Musu Jambawai and was in the care of Mamie Murray Yancy when it was stolen.
During the proceedings, Massaquoi admitted guilt and pleaded for leniency. However, Magistrate Daboh noted that this was not his first brush with the law, citing the teenager’s repeated appearances in court for similar offenses.
In his ruling, the magistrate expressed concern over Massaquoi’s pattern of criminal behaviour, stating, “This court cannot continue to tolerate such conduct. It is damaging to society, and a strong message must be sent.”
This marks the longest sentence Magistrate Daboh has delivered since his assignment to the Kenema court—signaling a tougher stance on repeat offenders.
