“King Solomon”: Officer and accomplices remanded for $300,000 kidnapping and robbery plot

“King Solomon”: Officer and accomplices remanded for $300,000 kidnapping and robbery plot

A police officer and two accomplices have been remanded in custody following their initial court appearance in Freetown, where they face serious charges of robbery with aggravation and kidnapping.

The defendants—Simpson Vandi Kallon, 34, a police officer; Mohamed Katalie Lamin, 36, an employee of the National Petroleum Authority; and Eric Brima Byle, a private security guard—appeared on Monday, April 20, 2026, before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1.

The court ordered the three men to be remanded pending further investigation into the allegations.

The indictment includes three counts: conspiracy, robbery with aggravation, and kidnapping.

The prosecution alleges that on Sunday, March 29, 2026, the accused conspired with unidentified individuals at Touch Point Bar near Saint Mary Supermarket, Hill Cut, Freetown, to execute the crimes.

The defendants are accused of using a firearm to rob Ibrahim Koroma of assets totaling approximately $33,300 in value, including gold jewelry and high-end mobile devices, alongside $140,000 in cash and Le360,000. Reports also indicate that personal violence was employed against the complainant during the robbery.

Additionally, the third count specifies that the defendants kidnapped Mr. Koroma at Juba Bridge and subsequently held him at a guest house in Mile 91, demanding a ransom of $300,000.

No pleas were entered during the session, as the matter is currently in the preliminary investigation phase.

Defense counsel A. Boyzie Kamara, representing the third defendant, moved for bail under Section 76(1)(c), asserting that his client is not a flight risk and has reliable sureties available. The first and second defendants appeared without legal representation.

The prosecution, led by CSP Zizer, informed the court that disclosure documents would be served before the next hearing and formally opposed the bail application via affidavit.

Citing the gravity of the offenses, Magistrate Jah denied the bail application and ordered the defendants to be held at Pademba Road Prison.

The case has been adjourned to April 28, 2026, for further proceedings.