Court Hears Allegations of Police Torture in $37,100 Medical Device Theft Case

The ongoing alleged theft trial involving businessman Abdul Jabba Mansaray and Joseph Bellon took a dramatic turn as Mansaray told the court that he was allegedly assaulted and tortured by police officers during his detention.

Mansaray, founder of the Youth Empowerment Society in Kenema District, made the allegations during cross-examination, recounting events surrounding his arrest on March 25, 2026.

He testified that police officers entered his residence and accused him of stealing a Vivid IQ Echo Machine valued at approximately US$37,100 and allegedly seized several of his personal belongings, including a Samsung Galaxy A16, a manual button phone and a Tecno Android device.

According to Mansaray, the officers took the items without presenting search warrants. He further alleged that he was subjected to physical assault and threats while in police custody at the Benghazi detention centre.

Mansaray told the court that officers threatened to break his leg unless he disclosed the whereabouts of the medical device, which is allegedly owned by Professor Dr. James Russell.

He also claimed that he was forced to state that he had handed the machine to an unidentified man. Mansaray subsequently recanted the statement, telling the court that it had been made under duress.

The case centres on the alleged theft of the Vivid IQ Echo Machine, with the accused persons facing charges including conspiracy, larceny, obtaining money by false pretences and receiving stolen goods.

Mansaray is accused of conspiring to steal the medical equipment and allegedly passing it to Bellon, who is also facing charges in connection with the case.

During his testimony, Mansaray maintained that the police subjected him to physical violence and threats in an attempt to obtain a confession. He further alleged that he was detained for several days without food.

He told the court that a subsequent police search of his residence did not result in the recovery of any of the allegedly stolen items.

The proceedings were presided over by Magistrate John Manso Fornah, who adjourned the matter to September 14, 2026, for final submissions.

The allegations of police misconduct remain claims made by the accused and will be subject to consideration by the court as the proceedings continue.