Hassan Turay Granted Bail Amid Diesel Theft Allegations at Pademba Road Court

A 42-year-old driver, Hassan Turay, has been granted bail following his appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1. He is charged with conspiracy and fraudulent conversion related to the alleged theft of diesel from NP Sierra Leone Limited.

Turay appeared before Magistrate Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1 to face two charges: conspiracy to commit a crime, in violation of the law, and fraudulent conversion as outlined under section 20(1)(4)(b) of the Larceny Act 1916.

The offense details allege that on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, at the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited Kissy Terminal in Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with unidentified individuals to commit fraud.

Additionally, it is alleged that on the same date and location, Turay fraudulently appropriated 14,980 liters of diesel, valued at Leones 395,472, which had been entrusted to him for delivery, for his personal use. This diesel belongs to NP Sierra Leone Limited.

Upon the reading of the charges, the accused did not enter a plea. Inspector Kadie M Taylor, representing the prosecution, requested a brief adjournment due to the absence of prosecution witnesses.

Counsel C.W.S Attara, representing the accused, submitted a bail application, citing Turay's status as a Sierra Leonean resident with credible sureties willing to act on his behalf. It was argued that the accused would not interfere with any witnesses, and bail was requested pursuant to section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.

Magistrate Kekura granted bail to Turay in the amount of Leones 500,000 or one surety of an equivalent sum. The surety must provide valid identification indicating their residential address in Freetown. The proceedings have been adjourned to 14th May 2025.