Military Officer Remanded Over Alleged Motorcycle Theft in Freetown
A serving officer of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has been remanded to custody following allegations of motorcycle theft in Freetown.
Mohamed Kanneh, 51, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1, facing charges under Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916. Kanneh pleaded not guilty to unlawfully taking an HLX motorcycle, registered AZH 536 and valued at Le 28,000, which belongs to Joseph Kabba and was under the lawful custody of Mohamed Dumbuya.
The alleged incident occurred on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Gaza Checkpoint along the Hillside Bypass Road. Prosecuting counsel C.S.P. Tommy B. Zizer confirmed that Kanneh received the statement bundle outlining the charges.
Magistrate Jah denied bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for continued judicial review. Kanneh has been remanded to the Male Correctional Center on Pademba Road. The case is scheduled to resume on March 20, 2026.
Legal analysts note that the case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to accountability, including for members of the armed forces, and illustrates the ongoing application of colonial-era legislation such as the Larceny Act of 1916 in Sierra Leone.
Some bad apples are destroying the good image of our country’s security apparatus.