FCC Asset Theft Case: Bench Warrant Issued for Fifth Defendant

FCC Asset Theft Case: Bench Warrant Issued for Fifth Defendant

On the current date, Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah, presiding over Pademba Road Court No. 1, formally issued a bench warrant for the apprehension of Ernest Alieu. Mr. Alieu, identified as the fifth defendant in the ongoing litigation involving the Freetown City Council (FCC), is charged with the receipt of stolen property. The court's intervention follows a significant investigation into the misappropriation of municipal assets.

The prosecutorial framework encompasses three distinct counts: conspiracy to commit a felony, larceny (pursuant to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916), and the receipt of stolen property (pursuant to Section 33(1)(b) of the aforementioned Act). The defendants appearing before the tribunal are as follows:

• Mohamed Allieu Jalloh (38), Information Technology Technician;

• Alie Kamara (55), Businessman;

• Musa Turay (35), Businessman;

• Sorie Sesay (36), Military Officer; and

• Ernest Allieu (49), Contractor.

It is alleged that between July 11 and September 16, 2025, at Queen Elizabeth Road, Kissy Dock Yard, the defendants conspired to unlawfully seize a lowbed trailer (Registration AVT 807). The asset, valued at approximately $105,000 (exceeding 2.4 million Leones), constitutes property of the Freetown City Council. The fifth defendant is specifically implicated in the unlawful possession of said stolen asset.

Procedural delays occurred as the charges remained unread due to the absence of the fifth defendant. Defense counsel, including S.M. Fomba Esq., motioned for the release of their clients, contending that a formal application for bail is predicated upon the formal reading of charges to the accused. The defense maintained that the current status of the defendants necessitated immediate judicial relief or handover to legal representatives.

Magistrate Jah rejected the defense's contention, affirming that the court maintains jurisdiction regardless of the reading of the charges in this criminal context. Subsequent to the issuance of the bench warrant for Ernest Alieu, the proceedings were adjourned. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 16, 2026.