Site Workers Granted Bail in NLe574,340 Theft Case

Site Workers Granted Bail in NLe574,340 Theft Case

Magistrate John Manso Fornah of the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 granted bail to two of seven defendants on Wednesday, 12th August 2026, in an ongoing trial involving the alleged conspiracy, theft, and receipt of stolen construction materials valued at NLe574,340. 

The accused persons face multiple counts including conspiracy to commit a felony, larceny, and receiving stolen property.

The seven individuals charged in connection with the case are Samuel Mansaray (26, caretaker), Charles Mansaray (19, unemployed), Solomon Augustine Bangura (20, pupil), John Conteh (27, mason), Abdulai Sankoh (businessman), Ibrahim Sesay (33, construction worker), and Alhassan Sankoh (43, businessman). All seven defendants entered pleas of not guilty to their respective charges.

According to the charge sheet, Samuel Mansaray, Charles Mansaray, and Solomon Augustine Bangura allegedly conspired to commit a felony and stole building supplies belonging to complainant Mariama Kamara between 2023 and 17 June 2026 at Kaningo, Lumley, in Freetown’s Western Area.

The stolen property, valued at NLe574,340, includes rolls of electrical cables in various sizes and colors, 48 buckets of five-gallon paint, a double French door, an electric cooker, electrical sockets, floor drains, bags of granite and cement, tiles, and silicon tubes.

The remaining four defendants are accused of receiving stolen goods, knowing the items had been unlawfully obtained:

• John Conteh (fourth defendant) allegedly received LED spotlights, chandelier lights with fans, toilet seats, paint, and shower sets.

• Abdulai Sankoh (fifth defendant) allegedly received NLe22,000 in cash and 48 buckets of paint valued at NLe26,000.

• Ibrahim Sesay (sixth defendant) allegedly received electrical cables.

• Alhassan Sankoh (seventh defendant) allegedly received five chandelier lights with fans valued at NLe36,000.

During court proceedings, prosecutor Police Constable Thoronka K informed the court that defense counsel had engaged the prosecution regarding partial restitution payments. Defense lawyers C.M.E Bah (for the first defendant), O.I Kamara (for the fourth and seventh defendants), and C.I Sesay (for the sixth defendant) presented proof of these payments.

Counsel for Samuel Mansaray confirmed a payment of NLe50,000, while counsel for Ibrahim Sesay confirmed a payment of NLe23,000. Both payments were acknowledged in court by the complainant and the respective defendants. Following these disclosures, defense counsel moved for the adoption of their prior bail applications.

Magistrate Fornah subsequently granted bail to Samuel Mansaray in the sum of NLe10,000 and to Ibrahim Sesay in the sum of NLe40,000.

Both are required to provide a responsible, reputable surety residing in Freetown with valid identification and a verifiable fixed address. Bail conditions remain subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.

The matter has been adjourned to 19th August 2026 for further proceedings.