Ministry of Finance Theft Suspect Denied Bail at Trial

Ministry of Finance Theft Suspect Denied Bail at Trial

Theft at the Ministry of Finance took center stage today as the prosecution presented its lead witness, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. 

The defendant, 23-year-old Alpha Umaru, was arraigned before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 and remanded to the male correctional facility in Freetown. 

He faces two charges: larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916, and malicious damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Larceny and Malicious Damage Act 1861.

According to the particulars of the offense, on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Ministry of Finance on George Street in the Western Area of Freetown, the defendant allegedly stole a generator control system, copper cables, and two 100-amp batteries, valued at 146,000 Leones. 

On the same day, he allegedly damaged a generator control system and copper cables, valued at 137,000 Leones. 

The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The court heard testimony from the prosecution’s first witness, Bundu Kargbo, a technician at the Ministry of Finance. Kargbo identified the defendant and recounted the day's events.

He testified that on March 23, 2026, he arrived at work and discovered the generator room door open. Upon inspection, he found the generator battery missing and observed that the copper cables had been damaged. 

Kargbo reported the matter to Inspector Kamara and informed the ministry’s administration.

Following the report, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers visited the crime scene. 

The defendant was subsequently arrested and brought to the location. During police interrogation, the defendant allegedly explained how he accessed the premises and committed the offenses. 

He was then taken to CID headquarters, where his statement was recorded alongside those of other witnesses.

The witness was cross-examined by the defendant’s legal counsel, but no further details emerged.

Magistrate Fornah denied the defendant's bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges, and adjourned the case to June 24, 2026.