Connaught Hospital Admission Delays Hearing in Container Theft Case
A case involving 10 defendants accused of conspiring to steal a shipping container and its contents from the Queen Elizabeth II Quay has been adjourned until October 29, 2026, after the court was informed that the ninth defendant had been admitted to Connaught Hospital.
The matter came before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1. The defendants Abu Bakarr Kabba Mansaray, Ibrahim Ahmed Kargbo, Ibrahim Bangura, Benito Conteh, Mohamed Amara Kamara, Alhassan Kamara, Jacob Gbaya, Mohamed Sahr Tommy, Chernor Amadu Sesay and Abu Mansaray face five charges: conspiracy to commit larceny, larceny, forgery, uttering a forged document and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
According to the charges, the alleged offences occurred between May 1 and May 22, 2026, at the quay in Cline Town, Freetown. The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired with other persons unknown to steal container TLLU-2297785 and its contents, which were in the lawful possession of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) and had been detained as part of a police investigation.
One count alleges that the container and its contents were stolen on May 13, 2026, with the intention of permanently depriving the SLPHA of their lawful possession and control.
The ninth defendant is separately accused of forging a staff identity card purportedly issued by Akim and Satu Clearing and Forwarding Agency and presenting it as genuine to facilitate the removal of the container.
The defendants also face allegations of conspiring to pervert the course of justice by concealing or suppressing evidence, tampering with CCTV footage, procuring or using forged documents, and facilitating the container’s removal.
No pleas were taken when the charges were read and explained, as the matter is at the committal proceedings stage.
Defence counsel, Maddieu Sesay, informed the court that the ninth defendant was seriously ill and had been admitted to Connaught Hospital.
State prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay acknowledged the medical circumstances but said the prosecution required clearer information about the defendant’s condition. He requested that a medical report be served on the State and that the doctor who issued it appear before the court, take an oath and explain the defendant’s condition.
The prosecutor said his witness was present and that clarification of the defendant’s medical status would help the State determine how the matter should proceed in the interests of both the prosecution and the remaining defendants. He subsequently requested a short adjournment.
Magistrate Jah adjourned the matter until October 29, 2026.
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