Trio Charged with High-Value Theft and Conspiracy, after stealing valuables worth over 238,000 Leones

Three individuals, identified as a driver, a student, and a miner, appeared in court on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, to address allegations of housebreaking and theft. They are accused of absconding with valuables exceeding 238,000 Leones from a residence in Freetown.

The defendants presented themselves before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing charges encompassing conspiracy, housebreaking, and larceny.

The accused have been identified as Patrick Ansumana, 36, a driver; Samuel Ansumana, 19, a student; and Foday Fornah, 45, a stone miner.

They are confronted with four counts: conspiracy to commit a felony, housebreaking and larceny, and receipt of stolen property. These charges emanate from an incident that transpired on January 3, 2025, at Ya-Marie Drive, Hill Station, located in the Western Area of Freetown.

According to the specifics of the offense, the accused are alleged to have conspired with unidentified individuals to commit a criminal act.

On the aforementioned date, they are accused of unlawfully entering the home of Bintu Sankoh, a businesswoman, and purloining valuables exceeding 238,610 Leones, which included 170,000 Leones in cash, seven hundred US dollars, and various household articles.

Count two explicitly states that the accused forcibly entered Sankoh's dwelling with the intent to steal and subsequently appropriated the aforementioned items. Count three posits that they received the stolen property, possessing knowledge of its illicit origin.

Upon the reading of the charges, the accused did not enter a plea. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led the prosecution in presenting their case.

The principal witness, Bintu Sankoh, testified that she was absent from her residence at the time of the incident, being engaged in her business activities.

She recounted receiving a phone call from her neighbor, Mabinty, who apprised her of the break-in. Sankoh proceeded to the Akon police station to report the theft and was subsequently escorted by police officers to her home.

Upon their arrival, the accused were discovered on her property and apprehended. A search warrant was issued, and during the ensuing search, law enforcement recovered some of Sankoh’s missing valuables, including a large traveling bag, machinery, her cash, and other articles.

The purloined property, valued at approximately 238,610 Leones, was identified on the premises of Foday Fornah, the third accused, and included cash, apparel, and domestic items.

Sankoh also furnished photographs of the scene, which were accepted as evidence. She affirmed her ability to identify the stolen items if presented again. She subsequently provided a statement to the police.

The accused individuals are currently held on remand, with bail applications scheduled for July 4, 2025. Magistrate Fornah ordered the adjournment of the case until that date.

This case underscores persistent concerns regarding housebreaking and theft within the community, emphasizing the imperative for heightened security measures and expeditious judicial intervention.

Legal Note: The case remains active, and the accused are presumed innocent until their guilt is established in a court of law.