Witness Reveals How Broken Window Gave Suspect Access in Wilberforce Housebreaking Case

A prosecution witness has recounted how a damaged window allegedly enabled 28-year-old Hassan Jalloh, a laborer, to break into her store and steal building materials and household items worth thousands of Leones at Fudia Terrace, Spur Loop, Wilberforce in Freetown.

Jalloh appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on charges of housebreaking and larceny, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916. He faces three counts in total.

Testifying in court, Hawa Sesay, a housewife and complainant in the matter, told the court that on September 17, 2025, she noticed Jalloh’s hand inside her building through a broken window. She said she immediately called her neighbor, Hajah Jariatu Sesay, to bring her keys before confronting the accused.

Upon entering the store, Sesay said she found Jalloh near the damaged window with a bag containing bedsheets, a plasma television, scissors, and several new lappas. She further testified that the accused had earlier broken into the store and stolen iron rods, wooden fillets, tiles, and other building materials valued at Le 39,514.

Sesay said she reported the matter to the Congo Cross Police Station, where Jalloh was handed over to the authorities. The police later took photographs of the scene, and the recovered items were placed in custody. She added that she still has video recordings of the accused on her phone as evidence.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led the witness in her testimony, while S. S. Bangura, Esq. represented the accused and conducted the cross-examination.

When the charges were read and explained, Jalloh did not enter a plea because the case is before the court for preliminary investigation.

Magistrate Fornah refused bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to October 29, 2025, for further hearing.