New Twists: Cross-Examination in Aggravated Robbery Trial

New Twists: Cross-Examination in Aggravated Robbery Trial

In the ongoing criminal trial concerning allegations of aggravated robbery and kidnapping, the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1, presided over by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah, conducted a rigorous cross-examination of the primary prosecution witness, Ibrahim Koroma. The proceedings, which commenced on Monday, April 28, 2026, and continued on 7th May 2026 focused on the evidentiary weight of the complainant’s testimony and the legitimacy of the financial claims presented by the prosecution.

The three defendants appearing before the court are identified as follows:

• Simpson Vandi Kallon (34): A serving officer of the Sierra Leone Police;

• Mohamed Katalie Lamin (36): An employee of the National Petroleum Authority;

• Eric Brima Byle: A private security operative at Chapter One Night Club.

The accused face multiple counts, including:

• Conspiracy to commit a felony;

• Robbery with aggravation;

• Kidnapping.

The prosecution alleges that on March 29, 2026, the defendants, acting in concert with unidentified individuals at the Touch Point Bar near St. Mary Supermarket, conspired to rob Ibrahim Koroma. The indictment states that the defendants, while armed with a firearm, deprived the complainant of three gold chains (valued at $30,000), an iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1,800), an iPhone 17 ($1,500), and cash totaling $140,000 and Le360,000. 

It is further alleged that the complainant was kidnapped at Juba Bridge and subsequently detained at G-Complex Guest House in Mile 91, where a ransom of $300,000 was demanded. 

The 1st and 2nd defendants were represented by I. F. Sawaneh. The 3rd defendant was represented by A. Kamara Esq. and P. T. Mansaray.

During cross-examination, Defense Counsel A. Kamara Esq. aggressively challenged the credibility of Ibrahim Koroma’s claims. Key points of contention included:

• Lack of Documentation: The witness admitted he could provide no business registration, bank deposit slips, or proof of withdrawal for the significant cash sums ($140,000) he alleged were stolen.

  
  

• Source of Funds: The witness claimed the funds were provided by a third party, Rahim Bangura, though defense counsel suggested the lack of documentation pointed toward illicit financial activities or drug trafficking.

  
  

• Weaponry Discrepancies: The defense noted that the witness’s initial statement to the police failed to mention the use of knives or other weapons as described in court.

  
  

• Legal Awareness: Koroma expressed ignorance regarding Sierra Leonean laws concerning the transport of large cash sums and the legal rights of citizens to effect arrests.

Following the cross-examination, the defense moved for bail under Section 76 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, citing the defendants' roles as primary caregivers and the availability of reliable sureties. Magistrate Jah, noting the gravity of the charges, denied the application. All three defendants have been remanded to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.

The matter has been adjourned to May 13, 2026, for further proceedings.