Three Defendants Remanded on Larceny and Assault Charges After Witness Testimony

Three Defendants Remanded on Larceny and Assault Charges After Witness Testimony

The initial day of court proceedings featured the testimony of the prosecution's key witness, who provided a detailed account of the incident leading to the arrest of three individuals—Alimamy Dumbuya (alias Dedeh), Charles Lahai, and Abdul Davidon—who now face charges of larceny and assault.

Mr. Mohamed Kabbie Conteh, a businessman and the prosecution's first witness, testified that on January 31, 2026, while surveying his property in Regent Village with his surveyor, he observed the defendants transporting bricks to another section of the land. He stated that he confronted them and threatened to contact law enforcement.

According to Mr. Conteh, the defendants responded with verbal abuse before initiating a physical attack. He recounted that the first defendant was armed with a cutlass, the second with a stone, and the third with a stick. They subsequently assaulted him, inflicting blows across his body. During the assault, the second and third defendants allegedly stole his bag, which contained documents and US$6,800 (equivalent to Le161,160), while the first defendant forcibly took his Samsung Galaxy S21, valued at Le12,000. Mr. Conteh reported sustaining injuries and filed a report at the Regent Police Station, where he was issued a medical request form for treatment at Connaught Hospital.

The defendants appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and entered a plea of not guilty to the two-count charges of larceny and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Defense counsel M.S. Sumaru formally requested bail for the defendants, citing the availability of reliable sureties. However, Magistrate Fornah denied the application, expressing concern that the defendants might potentially interfere with witnesses.

The accused were consequently remanded in custody, and the case was adjourned until February 26, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.