Sailors Charged with Conspiracy and Theft in Seacoach Case

In a case that has reverberated throughout the maritime community, two sailors employed by Seacoach have appeared in court facing serious charges of conspiracy and theft, following an alleged heist involving a suitcase and electronic devices at a Freetown terminal.

Samuel Benjamin Moiba and Alfred Karim Koroma made their second appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1, confronting two charges of conspiracy and larceny.

The prosecution asserts that the accused, along with other unidentified individuals, conspired to commit theft on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen, in the Western Area of Freetown.

The second charge alleges that Moiba and Koroma stole a black suitcase, a grey Dell laptop, a black A23 Samsung mobile phone, a stethoscope, and various other items valued at a total of Le 124,800, all belonging to Dr. Sherif Emil, who had entrusted them to the management of Seacoach Express.

Upon reading the charges, neither defendant entered a plea.

Inspector Kadie M. Taylor presented the first prosecution witness, Micah Tanimu, the General Manager of Seacoach.

Tanimu testified regarding the events that transpired on the night of the alleged theft. He stated that he received a call around 10 PM from the coordinator of a Mercy Ship, reporting the missing luggage.

After advising the coordinator to remain patient, he initiated an investigation himself.

Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, Tanimu observed the first accused leaving the terminal with three bags, one of which was later identified as the missing bag.

He confronted the first accused, who initially denied any involvement but later acknowledged his presence when shown the footage.

Tanimu then identified the second accused and promptly contacted the police, resulting in their arrest.

The CCTV footage was submitted as evidence and marked as Exhibit A.

The accused were represented by S. Smart Esq., who cross-examined the witness and renewed previous bail applications on their behalf.

Magistrate Kekura denied bail, citing the gravity of the charges, and remanded both defendants to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The case has been adjourned to April 11, 2025.