The Chief Justice, His Lordship Babatunde Edwards, handed over some exhibits, including a car and 26 bags of copper cables, to Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay.

Recall that the accused was the subject of legal action before the Magistrate Court by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), acting on behalf of the State, for theft of electrical materials. The car that was used to transport the stolen goods was ordered to be forfeited to the state after the court found the accused guilty as charged.

Justice Babatunde Edwards handed over the items while stating that he was in charge of a judiciary that was fairly or equitably handling the scale of justice, noting that theft of electricity materials and vandalism of installations was turning into a money maker for criminals or a place for unpatriotic citizens to cause trouble.

He stressed that the resolution of the case would serve as a deterrent and that the copper cables and vehicle found on the accused were being given to EDSA and the State.

He reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to swiftly handling cases involving theft of power materials and cautioned the public against indulging in such dishonest behavior.

Alhaji Kanja Sesay, the minister of energy, lamented the unfavorable events and the terrible effects such activities had on EDSA’s effort to provide citizens with reliable power.

He claimed that the theft of electrical components and the vandalism of infrastructure had been classified as threats to national security.

He discussed his approach to the Chief Justice, whom he characterized as hardworking and constructive.

In addition to thanking the judiciary for addressing the situation professionally and quickly, Mr. Sesay stated that the level of cooperation between his Ministry and the Judiciary would be increased.

He expressed his extreme happiness with the result.