James Turay Remanded on Burglary and Larceny Charges

James Turay Remanded on Burglary and Larceny Charges

James Turay appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2, facing two counts of burglary and larceny. These charges are in contravention of Sections 25(1) and 13(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

The matter concerns an incident alleged to have occurred on Friday, February 13, 2026, at No. 16A James Macarthy Drive, Off Spur Road, Freetown. Turay is accused of breaking into the dwelling house of Hachem Abselhafid with intent to commit theft. 

He is further accused of subsequently stealing three mobile phones: a Samsung Note 10 Plus (valued at Le21,000), a Samsung A15 (valued at Le5,000), and a Tecno button phone (valued at Le250), with a total alleged value of Le26,250. The stolen property is alleged to belong to Hachem Abselhafid.

As this was a preliminary hearing, no plea was taken after the charges were read and explained to the accused.

During the proceedings, the prosecution’s first witness was absent from court. Consequently, Magistrate Fornah issued an order for a subpoena to be served on both the absent witness and the investigating officer. Turay, who remains in custody, informed the court that he did not wish to cross-examine any witnesses in the matter.

The case has been adjourned for further hearing until June 9, 2026.