Accused Remanded After Witness Recounts Store Break-ins and Theft in Freetown

Accused Remanded After Witness Recounts Store Break-ins and Theft in Freetown

A witness testified on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, detailing how she observed the accused, Hassan Jalloh, allegedly break into several stores in the Wilberforce area and steal property valued at over Le 29,000.

Jalloh appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at the Pademba Road Court No. 2, facing three counts of store breaking and larceny.

Court documents indicate that Jalloh is accused of breaking into the store of Hawa Sesay at No. 28 Fudia Terrace, Spurloop, Wilberforce, on September 17, 2025, with the intent to commit a felony. During the alleged incident, he is said to have stolen a substantial array of building materials and household goods, including iron rods, wooden boards, zinc sheets, tiles, cables, utensils, and electronics, all belonging to Sesay and valued at over Le 29,514.

The charges further allege that on the same day and at the same location, Jalloh broke into Sesay's store again, making off with personal items such as wigs, a dressing mirror, a fan, a water heater, designer bags, footwear, and a plasma TV, with a total value of Le 24,930.

A third count accuses Jalloh of yet another break-in at the store, where he allegedly stole a large quantity of pots, tables, mattresses, and other household items valued at over Le 11,965, this time belonging to Fatmata Bangura.

Jalloh did not enter a plea as he was arraigned for a preliminary investigation.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led the prosecution and called Hawa Sesay as a key witness. Sesay positively identified Jalloh and recounted the moment she apprehended him. She explained to the court that after receiving a call from her cousin, Halimatu Bangura, she arrived at the scene to find the store's window guards damaged and numerous items missing.

Sesay testified that she and others detained Jalloh and took him to the Congo Cross Police Station, where a formal report was filed. She confirmed that police officers photographed the scene and recovered the stolen items, which are now in police custody. Sesay also informed the court that she has video recordings of Jalloh on her phone.

Defense Counsel S.S. Bangura applied for bail for Jalloh, arguing he was not a flight risk and offering reliable sureties. However, Magistrate Fornah denied the application, citing the severity of the charges.

The case was adjourned to October 21, 2025, for further proceedings.