$25,000 Jeep Theft Allegation Lands Caretaker Before High Court

A 24-year-old caretaker, Foday Kanu, has been committed to the High Court of Sierra Leone to face trial over allegations of fraudulent conversion of a high-value vehicle and malicious damage to property.

Kanu was committed by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown after the court found sufficient grounds linking him to the alleged offences.

According to the charge sheet, Kanu is accused of fraudulently converting a Jeep Wrangler 4x4, valued at US$25,000 (equivalent to NLe600,000), which had been entrusted to him for delivery.

The alleged incident occurred on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, at Bathole, Regent Village, Freetown, where Kanu was reportedly entrusted with the vehicle and its switch key, registered as AXH 220, by Lamin Bonsur for delivery to Emmanuel John.

However, the prosecution alleges that instead of completing the delivery, Kanu converted the vehicle to his own use, an act said to be contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(6) of the Larceny Act, 1916.

The charge sheet further alleges that on the same date and location, Kanu maliciously damaged property belonging to Kadijatu Jalloh.

The damaged items reportedly included an ignition switch valued at 3,000 leones, two relay fuses valued at 500 leones each, and a motor starter valued at 1,500 leones, bringing the total value of the alleged damage to 6,000 leones.

The alleged act constitutes malicious damage contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act, 1816.

When the charges were read and explained to Kanu in court, he did not enter a plea. The matter was prosecuted by Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K, who informed the court that the case was for prosecution.

During proceedings, the prosecution relied on evidence, including the defendant’s caution statement, which Magistrate Fornah reviewed before making his decision.

After considering the evidence presented, Magistrate Fornah ruled that there were sufficient grounds to commit Kanu to the High Court to stand trial on the charges of fraudulent conversion and malicious damage.

The Magistrate subsequently ordered that Kanu be sent to the High Court, where he will face trial. He remains in custody pending further proceedings.