Two Men Remanded Over Alleged Break-In at Ministry of Trade and Industry

Two men accused of breaking into offices at the Ministry of Trade and Industry at Youyi Building in Freetown have been remanded in custody after their bail applications were denied.

Abu Bakarr Koroma, 24, a garbage collector of No. 4 Bai Bureh Road, and Francis Koroma, 38, a driver of No. 9 Heneson Street, New England, appeared in court facing multiple charges linked to the alleged break-in.

The accused face three counts:

Count One: Conspiracy, with the prosecution alleging that between Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 2026, the men conspired with unknown persons to commit a felony, specifically office breaking and larceny.

Count Two: Office breaking and larceny under Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916. It is alleged that the accused broke into the Office of the Chief Director intending to steal items, including a black tea kettle valued at Le1,500, assorted provisions, A4 papers, white envelopes, T-shirts, and electrical extensions belonging to Emmanuel Konjoh.

Count Three: Office breaking and larceny targeting another office within the same ministry premises.

The incident was reported on Monday, January 11, 2026, and the accused were arrested on February 10, 2026. They made their first court appearance today before the magistrate.

During proceedings, defense counsel for Francis Koroma, F.D. Amara, requested bail under Section 76 of the Criminal Procedure Act (ACPA) 2024, arguing that his client was not a flight risk, had reliable sureties, and posed no threat to witnesses or the investigation.

The court, however, citing the gravity of the offences, refused bail and ordered both men to remain in custody. The case has been adjourned to March 4, 2026, for further hearing.