Accused Caught Breaking Into Wilberforce Store, Witness Testifies in Court

A witness testified on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, detailing how the accused, Hassan Jalloh, allegedly broke into several stores in Wilberforce and stole property valued at over Le 29,000.

Jalloh was arraigned before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing three counts of store breaking and larceny.

Court documents indicate that on September 17, 2025, Jalloh allegedly broke into the store of Hawa Sesay at No. 28 Fudia Terrace, Spurloop, Wilberforce, with intent to steal. During the incident, he allegedly took items including iron rods, wooden boards, zinc sheets, tiles, cables, household utensils, electronics, and other property valued at Le 29,514.

On the same day, he is further accused of breaking into Sesay’s store again, allegedly stealing personal belongings such as wigs, a dressing mirror, a fan, a water heater, designer bags, footwear, and a plasma TV, totaling Le 24,930.

A third count alleges that Jalloh broke into a store belonging to Fatmata Bangura, taking pots, tables, mattresses, and other household items valued at over Le 11,965.

Jalloh did not enter a plea during the arraignment, as the case is under preliminary investigation.

Prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, called witness Hawa Sesay, who identified Jalloh as the suspect and described catching him in the act. She explained that she was alerted by her cousin, Halimatu Bangura, and upon arriving at the scene, noticed damaged window guards and missing items.

Sesay said she and others apprehended Jalloh and took him to Congo Cross Police Station, where a report was filed. She added that police took photographs of the scene and recovered the stolen items, which remain in custody, and that she has video evidence of the incident on her phone.

The defense, represented by Counsel S.S. Bangura, requested bail for Jalloh, presenting reliable sureties and arguing he is not a flight risk. Magistrate Fornah, however, denied the request, citing the seriousness of the allegations.

The case has been adjourned to October 21, 2025, for further proceedings.