Shop Attendant Denied Bail Over Theft of Thousands of Dollars’ Worth of Goods

Abdulai Fofana, a shop attendant, appeared in court accused of stealing goods valued at Le 329,600 from his employers, Hassan and Linda Sesay, in Freetown’s Central Business District.

According to prosecutors, the alleged theft spanned from 2024 to September 5, 2025, involving items such as sofa chair covers, window curtains, backpacks, and assorted merchandise.

The crime came to light after Linda Sesay, who was abroad in China, alerted her husband to suspicious sales and questioned whether he had authorized the transactions. Hassan Sesay immediately contacted police, who investigated and recovered several stolen items from Fofana’s residence in Croobay, including African dresses and other merchandise.

During the proceedings, Hassan Sesay testified, identifying Fofana as the shop attendant responsible for the theft. Additional stolen goods, including 120 pieces of blouse materials, were recovered from the defendant’s business premises.

Despite the evidence, Fofana did not enter a plea when the charges were read. Magistrate Fornah denied him bail, citing the seriousness of the offense, and adjourned the case to October 13, 2025, for further hearing.

The case highlights the severity of theft, particularly when committed by someone entrusted with another’s property, and reinforces the importance of accountability under the law.