Driver Faces Conspiracy, Larceny Charges Over Solar Battery Theft

Mohamed Sesay, a driver, appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 to face charges of conspiracy and larceny relating to the alleged theft of solar panel batteries.

Sesay is accused of conspiring with unknown persons to steal 156 used Champion LED solar panel batteries between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Masiaka Town, Koya Chiefdom, within the Port Loko Judicial District. Each battery is valued at approximately $249.19, bringing the total alleged stolen property to $38,873.64 (Le 967,036.36), the charge sheet states. The batteries belong to Rowen Leone Company.

When the charges were read in court, Sesay pleaded not guilty to both counts.

The prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, called Alie Lucy, a mechanic and witness, who identified Sesay as a driver. Lucy recounted that on June 28 and 29, 2025, he was at Congo Water Garage when Sesay called to report that he had been arrested at Mile 38 with solar batteries in his vehicle.

Lucy confirmed ownership of a blue-black 814 TILER vehicle, identified as the one in question. He presented supporting documents, including the vehicle’s registration papers (Exhibit G), a photocopy of the registration, and his driver’s license (Exhibit H). He further noted that the vehicle bears the inscription “Goods Time is the best” (Exhibit AA1), which he could recognize if shown the vehicle.

During cross-examination, Sesay’s defense counsel, S. Kamara, renewed an earlier bail application.

After reviewing the prosecution’s application and the evidence presented, Magistrate Fornah granted the return of the vehicle to its owner, Alie Lucy, effective immediately.

The case has been adjourned to January 14, 2026, for further proceedings.