Businessman Denied Bail as Key Witness Testifies in $4,200 Larceny Case

Proceedings at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on Monday, 26 January 2026, took a crucial turn as the prosecution’s first witness, Mrs. Rella Mac Boimah, delivered detailed testimony in the ongoing larceny case involving 47-year-old businessman, Kofi Clarke.

Mrs. Boimah, who resides in the United Kingdom and arrived in Freetown on 30 November 2025, told the court that she was staying with the defendant’s girlfriend, Kema Thompson, during her visit. She emphasized that she had never slept outside her house and had employed local workers to roof and paint her home. However, she said she dismissed the workers after becoming dissatisfied with the quality of their work.

The witness testified that shortly after sending the workers away, she discovered that her savings, amounting to $4,200, had gone missing. She stated that she immediately informed her mother about the theft and later reported the matter to the defendant, Kofi Clarke, who assured her that he would assist in recovering the money.

According to Mrs. Boimah, Clarke later collected $4,100 from her based on her instructions and frequently visited her home. However, she said that a few hours after handing over the money, Clarke sent her a WhatsApp message instructing her to sever all ties with him, raising her suspicions.

She further informed the court that police officers subsequently searched Clarke’s residence, where they allegedly recovered several items belonging to her, including lace window curtains, a large bottle of washing conditioner, deodorant, and a white and red teddy bear. Mrs. Boimah identified some of the provisions found at the premises as her properties, which Clarke had reportedly claimed were gifts from his girlfriend.

Following her testimony, defence counsel E.T. Lassayo Esq. applied for a brief adjournment to enable him to continue cross-examination and renewed his earlier application for bail on behalf of the accused.

However, Magistrate John Manso Fornah denied the bail request, citing the serious nature of the offence and the circumstances surrounding the case. The matter has been adjourned to Thursday, 29 January 2026, for further hearing.