Businessman Remanded for Mayhem and Murder at Tokeh Village

A prominent businessman, Adekalie Conteh, was remanded in custody on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, following his appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2. Conteh faces grave charges, including the alleged murder of Andrew Mansaray, which occurred during a violent confrontation in Tokeh Village earlier this year.

According to the charge sheet, the incident unfolded on Saturday, February 16th, 2025, in Tokeh Village on the Freetown Peninsula. Conteh is accused of not only the murder of Andrew Mansaray but also the malicious damage of property belonging to a local businessman, Francis Lebbie. Among the items reportedly damaged was a Bluetooth music set valued at 3,000 New Leones.

Francis Lebbie, who testified in court, positively identified Conteh in the dock. He recounted the harrowing events of the day, stating that while at his business premises, Conteh arrived with a tricycle and a group of young men. Lebbie alleged that the group, armed with cutlasses, knives, and broken bottles, began disrupting business activities and vandalizing several establishments, including his own shop, where his Bluetooth speaker and a Coleman were damaged.

Fearing for his life, Lebbie testified that he fled the scene on a motorbike and promptly reported the incident to both the police and the community headman, Mr. Momoh. He later received the distressing news that someone had been killed near his business area.

Lebbie’s police statement was submitted to the court and marked as Exhibit F1-15. During Thursday’s proceedings, defense counsel J. Fofanah cross-examined Lebbie and subsequently requested an adjournment to continue the cross-examination.

Given the gravity of the charges, Magistrate Fornah denied bail and ordered Adekalie Conteh to be remanded at the Freetown Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned to August 14th, 2025, for further cross-examination.