FIA Airport Staff Member Granted Bail in Alleged Theft Case

FIA Airport Staff Member Granted Bail in Alleged Theft Case

Emmanuel John Bundu, an employee of Sky Handling International Airport in Lungi, was granted bail on Thursday, October 30, 2025, after appearing before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.

The proceedings addressed two charges: larceny and unlawful possession, stemming from items allegedly stolen from a passenger’s luggage.

Magistrate Fornah approved bail for Mr. Bundu in the amount of twenty thousand Leones (Le 20,000), requiring one surety of the like amount. The surety must be a responsible, gainfully employed resident of Freetown who can provide valid identification and proof of address. The case has been adjourned until November 5, 2025.

According to the prosecution, on Saturday, September 7, 2025, at Freetown International Airport, Mr. Bundu allegedly stole a mobile phone, a gold-colored wristwatch, and a silver-colored wristwatch from passenger luggage on board an aircraft. He was subsequently found to be in possession of these items during a security search, leading to suspicions of theft.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Dialla Wellington presented the prosecution’s first witness, Detective Police Constable 15201 Abass Maada Bawah. DPC Bawah testified that he recognized Mr. Bundu at the airport on the day of the incident. He described the routine pre-flight security check during which the defendant was searched.

The witness stated that the defendant initially refused to account for the items in his possession but was later discovered with two wristwatches and a mobile phone in his pocket. The officer further explained that Mr. Bundu had initially denied possessing any items during a prior screening.

Following the discovery, Mr. Bundu was arrested and transferred to police custody for investigation, where he subsequently gave a statement that was admitted as evidence.

During cross-examination, defense counsel A. Khalil Esq. successfully renewed the previous application for bail on behalf of his client. The magistrate granted bail as requested, and the matter was adjourned to November 5, 2025, for further proceedings.

This case highlights the ongoing security measures at Sierra Leone's primary airport and reinforces the importance of maintaining the security of passenger property against internal theft.