Post a comment
Deputy Sports Minister Kai Lawrence Bayoh took the stand on Friday, September 27, 2024, to testify against three individuals accused of conspiring to defraud Benjamin Merer of a $42 million diamond.
The incident allegedly occurred between May 20th and 26th, 2024, in Moryonfeh Village, Kono District. Sheku Kabba (also known as “ID Card”), Tamba Lebbie, Sahr Lebbie, and Jihad Basma, a British national, are facing charges of conspiracy and fraudulent embezzlement.
The prosecution alleges that the accused individuals conspired to steal the diamond and sell it without the rightful owner’s consent. The diamond, valued at a staggering SLe1,003,200,000, was reportedly stolen from Benjamin Merer.
All four accused individuals pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.
Deputy Minister Bayoh recounted how he became aware of the stolen diamond in May. He testified that the accused individuals visited him at his residence and requested his support in the matter. During a private conversation, Sheku Kabba revealed that he had a large diamond.
Bayoh expressed interest in seeing the diamond but was told that it was with Sahr Lebbie, who had allegedly taken it to Freetown. However, when Sahr Lebbie failed to produce the diamond, the complainant reported the theft to the Criminal Investigations Department.
The case has been adjourned to October 2, 2024, as the prosecution continues to present its evidence.
