Witness Testimony Directly Implicates Defendant in Laptop Theft; Bail Denied

Witness Testimony Directly Implicates Defendant in Laptop Theft; Bail Denied

The Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 was the setting for a high-stakes testimony on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in the case of Jumaima Peace Tucker, a 22-year-old woman facing a larceny charge.

Detective Alphonso Kamara, the key witness, provided a detailed account that established a direct link between Ms. Tucker and the theft of a valuable laptop. His testimony was instrumental in the court's subsequent decision to remand the defendant.

Detective Kamara, attached to the Family Support Unit in Kabala Town, testified that the initial theft report was lodged at the station on October 23, 2025. He acknowledged his previous familiarity with both the defendant and the complainant, Peter Thomas Sesay. The detective elaborated on the investigatory process, noting that he and Detective Police Constable 17866 Kamara S obtained caution statements from the complainant and a witness, which were formally documented and entered into evidence as Exhibit A1-4.

The detective further stated that he and Sergeant 8765 Bangura M. conducted an interrogation with Ms. Tucker, which was administered in Krio. Her responses, also given in Krio, were formally recorded in English. She subsequently affirmed her admission of the theft by affixing her right thumbprint to the statement. These statements, now marked as Exhibits C1-8 and D1-2, confirm her acknowledgment of the charges.

The particulars of the offence state that on October 16, 2025, at No. 19 Korombo Lane, Wellington, Ms. Tucker allegedly unlawfully took a laptop valued at Le20,000, the property of Peter Thomas Sesay. Despite the evidence presented, Ms. Tucker entered a plea of not guilty when the charge was formally read.

During the proceedings, defence counsel A. Gbla requested bail, arguing on the grounds of the client's age and lack of prior criminal convictions. However, Magistrate John Manso Fornah rejected the application, citing the severity of the alleged offence and the potential risk of the defendant absconding. Ms. Tucker was consequently remanded to the male correctional centre in Freetown.

The hearing has been adjourned until November 25, 2025, for continuation.