Witness Testimony Links Businessmen to $37,100 Medical Machine Theft Case

The trial involving the alleged theft of a $37,100 medical device continued this week at Pademba Road Court No. 2, as the prosecution presented key witness testimony linking two local businessmen to the crime.

Detective Sergeant Mohamed Vandi, attached to the Operations Unit at CID Headquarters, took the stand before Magistrate John Manso Fornah on Monday, June 1, 2026. Vandi provided a detailed account of the investigation, which led to the arrests of the two defendants, Abdul Jabba Mansaray and Joseph Bellon.

According to Detective Vandi’s testimony, the investigation involved a search of the shop belonging to the second defendant, Joseph Bellon. During the search, police seized several items, including an iPhone 11 Pro Max, which investigators subsequently examined as evidence. Vandi testified that he recorded statements from Bellon, who reportedly admitted to the contents. These statements have since been tendered as exhibits in the case.

The detective also detailed the forensic scrutiny applied to other recovered items, including a Samsung Galaxy A15, an Itel Power 900, and a sum of 50,000 Leones.

The first defendant, Abdul Jabba Mansaray, faces formal charges of conspiracy, larceny, and obtaining money by false pretenses, reportedly admitted his guilt during police questioning on April 9, 2026. Bellon, meanwhile, is charged with receiving stolen goods. Prosecutors stated that evidence against him includes photographic documentation of the stolen medical equipment and the bag used to transport it.

As the proceedings are part of a committal process, neither defendant entered a plea during the hearing.

Defense attorneys A.B. Sesay and C. Campbell requested bail for their clients; however, Magistrate Fornah denied the application, citing the gravity of the charges. The case has been adjourned until July 6, 2026, for further proceedings.