Woman Committed to High Court Over Alleged House Breaking and Larceny in Lumley

Thirty-year-old Hassanatu Jalloh, an unemployed resident, has been committed to the High Court to face trial on charges of house breaking and larceny.

The case was heard before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown.

According to the prosecution, on August 8, 2025, at No. 28 Thrist Drive, Lumley, in the Western Area of Freetown, Jalloh unlawfully broke into the dwelling house of Salamatu Sesay with intent to steal. It is further alleged that she stole ten thousand Leones (Le 10,000) in cash, the property of Elizabeth Fassay, which was under the custody of Salamatu Sesay.

Prosecutor Sergeant Mohamed Lahai presented the case, stating that there was sufficient evidence for committal to trial.

After reviewing the evidence, Magistrate Jah ruled that a prima facie case had been established. “Having carefully examined the evidence presented, I am satisfied that the prosecution has made out a prima facie case,” he said. “Therefore, I am committing the defendant to stand trial at the High Court.”

Magistrate Jah confirmed that the prosecution witnesses gave their evidence in his presence and that the accused had the opportunity to cross-examine them.

He granted Jalloh bail in the sum of twenty thousand Leones (Le 20,000), with two sureties resident in Freetown. The sureties are required to provide valid identification showing their residential addresses. The bail was approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.

The matter will now proceed to the High Court, where Jalloh will face charges of house breaking and larceny a case seen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability for property crimes in Sierra Leone.