Ten Remanded Over Alleged Theft of Shipping Container at Freetown Port

Ten suspects accused of stealing a shipping container from the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Cline Town, Freetown, have been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre following their second appearance before Principal Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1.

The accused are facing multiple charges, including theft, forgery, conspiracy, and perverting the course of justice, in connection with the alleged unlawful removal of a container belonging to the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA).

The accused persons Abu Bakarr Kabba Mansaray, Ibrahim Ahmed Kargbo, Ibrahim Bangura, Benito Conteh, Mohamed Amara Kamara, Alhassan Kamara, Jacob Gbaya, Mohamed Sahr Tommy, Chernor Amadu Sesay, and Abu Mansaray are alleged to have conspired between May 1 and May 22, 2026, to steal a shipping container with serial number TLLU 2297785.

According to the prosecution, the container had been detained by authorities as part of an ongoing police investigation but was allegedly removed unlawfully on May 13, alongside its contents, with the intention of permanently depriving the SLPHA of its property.

The prosecution further alleges that the ninth accused, Chernor Amadu Sesay, forged a staff identity card to facilitate the removal of the container.

During the court proceedings, defence lawyers raised concerns over the prosecution’s compliance with disclosure requirements, arguing that witness briefs were not served alongside statements as required under the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024. They maintained that the alleged failure affected their ability to adequately prepare for the case.

However, State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay argued that the prosecution had met its legal obligations by providing witness statements and relevant documents within the required timeframe. He urged the court to allow the matter to proceed, noting that the accused remained in custody and witnesses were available.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Jah ordered the prosecution to provide a list of witnesses to support proper case preparation before the matter returns to court on July 31, 2026.

All ten accused persons were subsequently remanded until the next hearing date.