Court Remands Teenager Over Alleged Store Breaking at Lumley Mall

Eighteen-year-old Gibrilla Sowie has been remanded in custody following his first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown.

Sowie faces charges of store breaking and larceny. He did not enter a plea, as the case is before the court on a preliminary investigation.

According to court particulars, on 28 November 2025, at Lumley Mall, Western Area, Freetown, Sowie allegedly broke into the mall and stole items, including paint, electric cables, and other assorted goods, valued at approximately Le10,050.

When the charges were read and explained, Sowie did not enter a plea because he is before the court on a preliminary investigation.

The prosecutor, Inspector Mabel M. Tarawally, served the defendant with the relevant documents, including his voluntary caution and charged statements, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.

Sowie was not legally represented during proceedings. Magistrate Jah refused bail and ordered that he be remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown.

The case has been adjourned to 17 December 2025.