Court Remands Driver After Testimony Links Him to Alleged Housebreaking

A 29-year-old driver, Umaru Sesay, has been remanded in custody following prosecution evidence that linked him to an alleged housebreaking incident during proceedings before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.

Sesay is standing trial on a charge of house breaking with intent.

The development came after the prosecution’s first witness, Ivan Bangura, a pupil and owner of the affected property, gave detailed testimony describing how the incident unfolded on 12th March 2026 in the Hill Station area of Mountain Rural, Freetown, where building materials were stored.

Bangura told the court that between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., he visited the site and allegedly found the accused damaging the wall enclosing the property using a stone to break blocks.

He said he confronted Sesay, who denied taking anything. According to Bangura, he instructed the accused to wait while he checked the premises, but Sesay allegedly fled the scene. The witness added that he raised alarm by shouting “thief,” which led to Sesay being pursued and arrested by residents at a nearby car wash before being handed over to police at the Allentown Police Station.

Bangura further testified that police officers later visited the scene and took photographic evidence of the damage using a Samsung A06 Android phone. The images were tendered in court as exhibit Z1–3. He also confirmed giving a formal statement to police.

Following the witness testimony, Magistrate Fornah denied bail and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.

The matter has been adjourned to 16th April 2026 for further hearing.