Two Businessmen Remanded Over Alleged Theft of $37,100 Medical Machine

Two businessmen, Abdul Jabba Mansaray and Joseph Bellon, have been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre following testimony from a key prosecution witness in an ongoing case involving the alleged theft of a medical machine valued at $37,100.

The matter was heard before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2, where the prosecution presented evidence against the accused persons.

Testifying in court, prosecution witness John Turay, a driver and technician responsible for handling the machine, recounted the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the equipment, identified as a Vivid IQ Echo Machine belonging to Dr. James Russell.

Turay told the court that on 13 January 2026, he was at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) with Dr. Russell and was on his way to their office at New England when he received a telephone call from Nurse Belinda. According to him, Nurse Belinda instructed him to collect the machine from No. 3 Bathurst Street.

He said he proceeded to the address, retrieved the machine, and placed it inside his employer’s vehicle. After securing the clinic, he returned to the vehicle only to discover that the machine had gone missing.

Turay further testified that he immediately returned to Bathurst Street to make inquiries but was unable to find anyone who could explain the whereabouts of the machine. He subsequently informed Dr. Russell, and the two conducted a search in the area, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.

The witness stated that the following day he reported the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where he made a statement regarding the incident.

According to the prosecution, Abdul Jabba Mansaray allegedly conspired with other persons to steal the medical machine and later obtained money by false pretences, claiming the funds were required for transportation expenses related to the recovery and movement of the stolen equipment.

The prosecution further alleged that Joseph Bellon received the stolen machine knowing it was property belonging to Dr. Russell.

When the charges were read and explained in court, both accused persons did not enter a plea.

After hearing the testimony and reviewing the evidence presented, Magistrate Fornah refused bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

The matter was adjourned to 8 June 2026 for continuation of the hearing.