On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, four individuals, including a British national, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.

They face charges of conspiracy, fraudulent embezzlement, and receiving stolen goods in connection with a 264-carat diamond valued at over $42 million (Le 1.03 billion).

The accused are Sheku Kabba (49), Tamba Lebbie (25), Sahr Lebbie (28), and British businessman Jehad Basma (54).

According to court documents, the alleged crimes took place between May 20 and 26, 2024, in Moryonfeh village, Kamara Chiefdom, Kono District. Prosecutors accuse the men of conspiring to embezzle the diamond, which belongs to a businessman named Benjamin Merer.

Detective Sergeant Unisa Mohamed Kamara, the fifth prosecution witness, testified that the accused individuals were known to the police after their case file was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department. He stated that during police interviews, one of the accused produced a stone, allegedly bought from Kabba, which was later confirmed by the National Minerals Agency to be a 20.28-carat diamond.

The prosecution, led by Yusuf Isaac Sesay, requested that the diamond remain in police custody. However, defense attorney JM Jingo objected, arguing it should be kept with the Deputy Registrar of the court. Magistrate Bangura ruled that the diamond would remain with the police for safekeeping, with the court clerk and representatives of the accused overseeing the process.

Given the seriousness of the case, bail was denied, and the matter was adjourned to October 23, 2024.