Magistrate Court presided over by Sahr Kekura has committed Mohamed Turay, Ishmael Sesay, Charles F. Yonjai, and Sahr Kamanda to the High Court for trial.

The accused are charged with conspiracy, ECSL store breaking, larceny, and receiving stolen goods contrary to section 33(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.

The case, which centers on allegations of store breaking and larceny at the ECSL Wellington branch in Freetown, has drawn considerable attention. It is alleged that on September 12, 2023, the accused conspired with unknown persons to commit the felony.

The stolen items reportedly include 142 tablets valued at four million one hundred and ten Kenya Shillings, equivalent to millions of Leones. Additionally, the accused allegedly received eleven ECSL tablets valued at three hundred and eighteen thousand five hundred and thirty-eight Kenya Shillings, equivalent to hundreds of thousands of Leones.

During the preliminary investigations, Magistrate Kekura noted that the prosecution, led by Superintendent of Police Ibrahim S. Mansaray, had established sufficient evidence to warrant a committal of the matter to the High Court. The prosecution argued that the accused, with intent to steal, broke into the ECSL Wellington branch and executed the theft.

In his ruling, Magistrate Kekura emphasized the gravity of the charges and the strength of the evidence presented. “The prosecution has demonstrated a prima facie case against the accused, which necessitates a full trial at the High Court,” he stated. Consequently, the matter was committed to the High Court for further trial pursuant to section 120 of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.

All accused persons were granted bail as the case proceeds to the High Court. The decision to commit the case for trial underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating cases of conspiracy, store breaking, and larceny, particularly involving substantial amounts of money and valuable items.

The case is set to continue at the High Court, where the accused will face trial on the outlined charges. The proceedings are closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the allegations and the significant value of the stolen items.