Theft at Faith Healing Bible Church Construction Site: Police Testimony

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Osman Sesay, a painter, and Idrissa Conteh, a businessman, appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown. They face three charges: conspiracy to commit a felony, storebreaking and larceny (contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act 1916), and receiving stolen goods (contrary to Section 33(1) of the Larceny Act 1916).

According to the details of the offense, between August 3rd and December 21st, 2024, at the Faith Healing Bible Church construction site in Congo Town, Western Area, the accused conspired with unknown individuals to commit storebreaking and larceny. It is further alleged that on the specified dates and location, Osman Sesay unlawfully entered the church’s store with the intent to steal.

The items taken included a Yamaha speaker, a single EV speaker, three mixers, a generator cable, and other assorted items, with a total value of Le 231,300, belonging to the Faith Healing Bible Church. Count three states that Idrissa Conteh received one of the stolen speakers, valued at Le 9,000, knowing it was stolen.

Neither accused entered a plea when the charges were read.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, leading the prosecution, testified as the fourth witness. Attached to the Breaking and Larceny Unit at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, he identified both the complainant and the accused. He recounted that on September 4th, 2025, while on duty, he was assigned to investigate a reported theft case.

A team of detectives, led by Inspector Hassan Dumbuya, visited the crime scene in Congo Town, where they observed evidence of forced entry. Crime scene officers documented the scene with photographs, and statements were collected from witnesses and the complainant.

On January 6th, 2025, the first accused was voluntarily brought in by the complainant, accompanied by Inspector Dumbuya and DPC Kamara. A voluntary caution statement was obtained from him in Krio, translated into English, and confirmed by his right thumbprint. The statement was recorded as Exhibit A1-7 and submitted as court evidence. Similarly, on January 14th, 2025, the same officers charged the first accused using the same procedure, and the statement was tendered as Exhibit B1-3.

Furthermore, on December 24th, 2024, the second accused provided a voluntary caution statement, recorded and tendered as Exhibit C1-15. Additional statements were obtained from him on December 30th and December 31st, 2024, recorded and tendered as Exhibits D1-7, E1-7, and F1-3 respectively.

During the investigation, a large speaker box was recovered from the second accused, who indicated he could identify the item if presented.

The witness was cross-examined by A.B. Marrah.

Magistrate Samura adjourned the case to June 27th, 2025. Bail for the second accused was continued, while the first accused was remanded to the male correctional facility in Freetown.