Three Charged with Conspiracy and Theft at LEOCEM Cement Factory

Three individuals appeared in court yesterday to face charges of conspiracy and store-breaking related to a theft at the LEOCEM Cement factory in Kainkay Cline Town. The defendants, aged between 20 and 25, are accused of stealing oil valued at over 62,000 Leones during an unauthorised nighttime entry.

The individuals, identified as Anthony Kamara, 20, a carpenter; Alusine Sesay, 25, a laborer; and Josephus Mansaray, 25, a laborer, were presented before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8 in Freetown. They face two charges: conspiracy and store-breaking.

The alleged incident occurred on May 27, 2025, at the LEOCEM Cement factory on Bett Street, Kanikay Cline Town, where the defendants are accused of conspiring with unknown individuals to commit store-breaking and theft.

On that date and at that location, the accused allegedly gained unauthorised access to the LEOCEM Lubricant store and took 208 liters of CLP Oil, 180 liters of EP2 Oil, and 208 liters of 15W40 oil, with a total estimated value of 62,798 Leones. These items belong to LEOCEM CEMENT.

The accused did not enter a plea upon the formal reading of the charges.

Testimony from Security Officer:

Abubakarr Suma, a security officer with A.K Security Company, testified as the second prosecution witness. He stated that on the night of May 27, 2025, he was on duty as shift commander at the factory. At approximately 2 a.m., he received a radio call requesting reinforcement. Upon arriving at the scene, he observed the accused attempting to flee and subsequently radioed OSD personnel for assistance.

He identified the first and third accused individuals and instructed the OSD officers to arrest them. Suma recounted that the accused informed him there were five individuals involved, but only three were apprehended. He further explained that the first and second accused were found hiding by the seaside behind a boat, where some suspects had fallen into the water.

The security team escorted the suspects to the security post, where four jerry cans were confiscated. The incident was then reported to the police at Ross Road Police Station. Suma also confirmed that he provided a formal statement to the police.

The defense, represented by S.L. Lewis, submitted a bail request for the accused. However, Magistrate Samura denied bail, citing the seriousness of the charges. The case was adjourned to June 23, 2025.