Police Officer Remanded Over Alleged Le126,340 Embezzlement
Thirty-nine-year-old police officer and civil servant Mendayga Salia has been remanded at Freetown’s Male Correctional Facility following his appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1.
Salia faces one count of embezzlement under Section 17(2)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916. Prosecutors allege that between July 1 and September 28, 2026, he fraudulently appropriated Le104,200 and US$900—valued at Le22,140—from the Sierra Leone Police, bringing the total alleged amount to Le126,340.
No plea was entered during the hearing, as the matter is proceeding through committal proceedings. Assistant Superintendent of Police Dellia Wellington, prosecuting, confirmed that copies of the case file and inquiry file have been furnished to the defence.
Defence counsel M.A. Turay applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, arguing that Salia is a local resident who poses no flight risk. However, Magistrate Jah denied the application, citing the gravity of the charges.
The case has been adjourned to October 13, 2026, for further proceedings.
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