Former SLBC Camera Operator Granted Bail Over Alleged Office Break-In

Osman Daramy, a former camera operator at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), has been granted bail following his appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2.

Daramy faces serious charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony and multiple counts of office breaking and larceny, linked to an alleged break-in at the SLBC premises in New England Ville, Freetown.

Court records indicate that the incident reportedly occurred between January 5th and 6th, 2026, when Daramy allegedly conspired with unknown individuals to unlawfully enter the SLBC office with the intent to commit theft. The charges state that during the break-in, Daramy allegedly stole a 43-inch plasma television valued at six thousand Leones (Le 6,000), a Samsung A-56 Android mobile phone valued at five thousand Leones (Le 5,000), and two thousand Leones (Le 2,000) in cash from the engineering office.

Daramy did not enter a plea as he was arraigned for a preliminary investigation.

During proceedings, Mohamed A. Bah, Deputy Director General of SLBC and a broadcaster journalist, testified that he identified Daramy from CCTV footage captured at the station. Bah, who was at home when the theft occurred, said the cameras located in key areas—including the car park and corridor leading to the DG’s office—clearly showed Daramy climbing onto the roof of the premises. He further explained that other staff members reported the break-in, corroborating the evidence seen on the footage.

Alhaji Bangura, Director of Engineering at SLBC, also identified Daramy in the CCTV footage. Although he could not recall the exact date of the incident, Bangura confirmed that the footage showed Daramy entering and exiting the area where the alleged theft took place. He stated that he relied solely on the recordings from the station’s CCTV system and did not witness the crime firsthand.

In court, Daramy’s defense counsel, A.N.D. Musa Esq., renewed a previous application for bail. Magistrate Fornah granted bail in the sum of thirty thousand Leones (Le 30,000) with one surety of similar value. The surety must be a senior, responsible citizen residing in Freetown, gainfully employed, with a fixed address and valid identification. The bail is subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.

The case has been adjourned to April 1st, 2026.