Two Remanded Over Massive Guoji Company Heist

Two Remanded Over Massive Guoji Company Heist

Two men accused of a high-stakes heist at the Guoji Company offices have been remanded to the Male Correctional Centre following their initial court appearance. Abu Sankoh, 22, and Alie Alhassan Kabia, 45, are alleged to have stolen over US$43,000 and Le1 million during a break-in last month.

The defendants—Sankoh, a plumber, and Kabia, a marketer—faced Magistrate Jah yesterday on charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and office breaking and larceny. The charges were brought under Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on July 3, 2026, at the company’s premises located within the former National Workshop in Cline Town. It is alleged that the pair forced entry into the office with the specific intent to steal, successfully making away with US$43,000 in cash and property valued at Le1,092,000.

During the proceedings, Deputy Superintendent of Police Eric A. Deen confirmed that the necessary inquiry files had been served to the defense team. As the case is currently at the committal stage, the accused were not required to enter a formal plea.

Defense counsel I. Conteh, Esq., mounted a vigorous application for bail, arguing that both men were Sierra Leonean nationals with reliable sureties. Conteh cited Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, assuring the court that his clients would neither flee nor interfere with witnesses, and reminded the bench of the presumption of innocence.

However, Magistrate Jah denied the application, citing the "gravity of the charges" as a primary concern. While counsel for the second accused, A.B. Sesay, also noted prosecution objections, the Magistrat e indicated that bail for the first accused might be reconsidered at a later date.

The court has ordered the prosecution to present its evidence at the next hearing. The matter has been adjourned to August 14, 2026.