$37,100 Medical Machine Larceny: Two Businessmen Remanded

Abdul Jabba Mansaray and Joseph Bellon, identified as businessmen, have been formally remanded concerning the alleged larceny of a medical device valued at $37,100. The equipment, specifically a Vivid IQ Echo Machine, belongs to Professor Dr. James Russell and was purportedly stolen from a premises located at No. 3 Bathurst Street, Freetown, on 13 January 2026.

The defendants presented themselves before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2, where they face a five-count indictment that includes conspiracy, larceny, obtaining money by false pretenses, and receiving stolen goods, all breaches of the Larceny Act of 1916.

The charges specify that Abdul Jabba Mansaray allegedly conspired with unidentified individuals to commit larceny, and subsequently stole the aforementioned Vivid IQ Echo Machine, valued at $37,100, on the date of the incident. Furthermore, the first defendant is charged with defrauding individuals by false pretenses, specifically claiming the funds provided would be used for the logistical purposes of recovering the stolen equipment. The second defendant, Joseph Bellon, stands accused of receiving the stolen property with prior knowledge that the machine was illegally obtained.

Given that the matter is currently in the preliminary investigation phase, no formal plea was recorded after the charges were read and explained to both defendants. Fatmata Jullet Nicolls, the initial witness for the prosecution, provided testimony regarding communications with an individual purporting to possess the stolen machinery, detailing both the transfer of funds and continuing efforts to negotiate the device's retrieval.

Due to the severe nature and gravity of the allegations, the prosecution strongly opposed the application for bail. Magistrate Fornah denied bail and ordered both defendants to be detained at the Male Correctional Centre, citing the seriousness of the matter. The proceedings have been formally adjourned until 25 May 2026.