A 28-year-old man, Sheku Bangura, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on a charge of larceny.

Bangura, currently unemployed, faces allegations of stealing $8,700, equivalent to 210,540 New Leones, along with an additional 40,000 Leones, totaling 250,540 Leones. The stolen amount belongs to businessman Kabbie Sesay.

According to the prosecution, the alleged theft occurred between April 10 and August 12, 2024, at Waterloo in the Western Rural Area. Sesay testified as the prosecution’s first witness, stating that the accused was present at his home when he received the sum of $8,700.

The following day, upon attempting to use some of the money, Sesay discovered a significant amount missing from the envelope where it had been stored.

When confronted, Bangura allegedly suggested that Sesay call his father, and later admitted to taking the money. Sesay reported the matter to the police after also discovering that an additional 40,000 Leones was missing from his home.

Bangura reportedly led the police to a stream, claiming to have hidden the money there, but no cash was found. He then sent his girlfriend to retrieve part of the stolen sum, which resulted in only 1,500 Leones being returned.

The accused, who was not represented by a lawyer, pleaded not guilty. Due to the gravity of the offense, Magistrate Bangura denied bail and remanded Sheku Bangura to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to September 30, 2024, for further proceedings.