Witness Testimony Leads to Remand for Driver Charged with Burglary

Witness Testimony Leads to Remand for Driver Charged with Burglary

Legal proceedings against 29-year-old Umaru Sesay, a driver facing charges of housebreaking with intent, reached a critical juncture at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown. During the hearing, Magistrate John Manso Fornah presided as the prosecution introduced substantive witness testimony against the defendant.

The prosecution’s primary witness, Ivan Bangura—the owner of the affected property—provided a detailed account of the incident occurring on the evening of March 12, 2026. Bangura testified that while conducting a routine inspection of a storage site for building materials in Hill Station, Mountain Rural, he discovered the defendant actively damaging a perimeter wall.

According to the testimony, Sesay was observed using a stone to break through concrete blocks to gain entry to the enclosure.

Bangura confronted the defendant, who initially denied theft. However, when the witness attempted to verify the inventory of materials, Sesay fled the scene. Following a brief pursuit and assistance from local citizens, the defendant was apprehended and subsequently handed over to the Allentown Police Station, where a formal report was filed.

Responding officers documented the site damage through photographic evidence, which has been formally admitted as Exhibit Z1–3. Law enforcement also secured a voluntary statement from the complainant, further substantiating the link between the defendant and the alleged criminal activity.

Upon reviewing the initial evidence and testimony, Magistrate Fornah denied the defendant's application for bail. Sesay has been remanded to the male correctional facility in Freetown pending further legal action.

The court has adjourned the matter until April 16, 2026, for continued proceedings.