Accused Man Denies Stealing $37,100 Medical Machine, Alleges Police Torture

The trial of Abdul Jabba Mansaray, the first accused in a case involving the alleged theft of a medical machine valued at $37,100, took a dramatic turn on Monday at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.

Mansaray, a businessman and founder of the Youth Empower Society in Kenema District, testified before Magistrate John Manso Fornah, denying knowledge of the alleged theft and recounting what he described as a violent arrest and detention by police.

He is facing five charges, including conspiracy, larceny, obtaining money by false pretences and receiving stolen goods, in connection with the alleged theft of a Vivid IQ Echo Machine belonging to Professor Dr. James Russell.

The alleged offences reportedly occurred between January 13 and 28, 2026, at Mansaray’s residence on Bathurst Street and in Kossoh Town.

When given the opportunity to testify, Mansaray chose to give evidence on oath. He told the court that he had no witnesses to call and would rely on the statement he previously made to the police.

Mansaray recounted the circumstances surrounding his arrest on March 25, 2026, saying police officers entered his residence while he was with his girlfriend, Princess Gassama.

According to his testimony, one of the officers attempted to grab him by the neck, leading to a struggle during which his phone fell to the floor. He said he attempted to call for help but was stopped by the officer, who told him he could not make a call until he was taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

He said officers later returned with a search warrant and searched his apartment but found nothing incriminating. However, he claimed they seized Le250, a Samsung A16, a manual-button phone and a Tecno mobile phone before taking him to CID Headquarters.

The trial of Abdul Jabba Mansaray, the first accused in a case involving the alleged theft of a medical machine valued at $37,100, took a dramatic turn on Monday at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.

Mansaray, a businessman and founder of the Youth Empower Society in Kenema District, testified before Magistrate John Manso Fornah, denying knowledge of the alleged theft and recounting what he described as a violent arrest and detention by police.

He is facing five charges, including conspiracy, larceny, obtaining money by false pretences and receiving stolen goods, in connection with the alleged theft of a Vivid IQ Echo Machine belonging to Professor Dr. James Russell.

The alleged offences reportedly occurred between January 13 and 28, 2026, at Mansaray’s residence on Bathurst Street and in Kossoh Town.

When given the opportunity to testify, Mansaray chose to give evidence on oath. He told the court that he had no witnesses to call and would rely on the statement he previously made to the police.

Mansaray recounted the circumstances surrounding his arrest on March 25, 2026, saying police officers entered his residence while he was with his girlfriend, Princess Gassama.

According to his testimony, one of the officers attempted to grab him by the neck, leading to a struggle during which his phone fell to the floor. He said he attempted to call for help but was stopped by the officer, who told him he could not make a call until he was taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

He said officers later returned with a search warrant and searched his apartment but found nothing incriminating. However, he claimed they seized Le250, a Samsung A16, a manual-button phone and a Tecno mobile phone before taking him to CID Headquarters.

Mansaray told the court that he was subsequently questioned about the stolen medical machine, which he maintained he knew nothing about.

He further alleged that he was subjected to physical abuse and torture during questioning by CID personnel, including the head of investigations, whom he identified as Mr Jalloh.

Mansaray claimed an officer showed him a witness and asked whether he knew the person. After he denied knowing the individual, he alleged that he was beaten and pressured to provide information about the machine.

He also told the court that officers later took him to Bengazi, where, according to his testimony, they displayed a pistol and pepper spray and threatened him with further torture if he did not cooperate.

Mansaray said the alleged treatment left him traumatised and caused him to panic, leading him to falsely tell investigators that he had handed the machine to another man.

The prosecution is expected to close its case, with Prosecutor Y.I. Sesay indicating that the defendants would subsequently be given an opportunity to make their final statements.

The matter was adjourned to August 17, 2026, for further testimony. told the court that he was subsequently questioned about the stolen medical machine, which he maintained he knew nothing about.

He further alleged that he was subjected to physical abuse and torture during questioning by CID personnel, including the head of investigations, whom he identified as Mr Jalloh.

Mansaray claimed an officer showed him a witness and asked whether he knew the person. After he denied knowing the individual, he alleged that he was beaten and pressured to provide information about the machine.

He also told the court that officers later took him to Bengazi, where, according to his testimony, they displayed a pistol and pepper spray and threatened him with further torture if he did not cooperate.

Mansaray said the alleged treatment left him traumatised and caused him to panic, leading him to falsely tell investigators that he had handed the machine to another man.

The prosecution is expected to close its case, with Prosecutor Y.I. Sesay indicating that the defendants would subsequently be given an opportunity to make their final statements.

The matter was adjourned to August 17, 2026, for further testimony.