Police Officer, Two Others Remanded Over Alleged $300,000 Robbery And Kidnapping Plot

Three men, including a serving police officer, have been remanded in custody following their first court appearance in Freetown on allegations of conspiracy, robbery with aggravation, and kidnapping.

The accused Simpson Vandi Kallon, 34, a police officer; Mohamed Katalie Lamin, 36, an employee of the National Petroleum Authority; and Eric Brima Byle, a private security guard appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Monday, April 20, 2026.

According to the prosecution, the three men conspired with other unidentified individuals on March 29, 2026, at a location near Saint Mary Supermarket in Hill Cut, with the intention of carrying out the alleged crimes.

The court heard that the accused allegedly used a firearm to rob businessman Ibrahim Koroma of valuables estimated at $33,300, including gold jewelry and high-end mobile phones. Prosecutors further allege that the suspects took $140,000 in cash and Le360,000 during the incident and used violence against the victim.

In a separate count, the prosecution claims the accused kidnapped Mr. Koroma at Juba Bridge and transported him to a guest house in Mile 91, where he was reportedly held while a ransom of $300,000 was demanded.

No pleas were taken during the hearing, as the matter remains at the preliminary investigation stage.

Defense counsel A. Boyzie Kamara, representing the third accused, applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c), arguing that his client posed no flight risk and had credible sureties. The first and second accused persons were not represented by legal counsel.

However, the prosecution, led by CSP Zizer, opposed the bail application, stating that disclosure materials would be submitted before the next hearing and emphasizing the seriousness of the charges.

Magistrate Jah denied bail, citing the gravity of the alleged offenses, and ordered that all three accused be remanded at Pademba Road Prison pending further proceedings.

The case has been adjourned to a later date for continuation of the preliminary investigation.