By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone — In a dramatic courtroom development, local footballer Abdul Sesay was sentenced to five years imprisonment on Monday, 6th October 2025, for stealing a mobile phone belonging to Bakisa Massaquoi, the registrar of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.1.
Sesay, who had previously benefited from a presidential pardon, was convicted of larceny under Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916. The offense occurred on 16th September 2025, when he stole a silver Samsung Galaxy A-15 valued at twelve thousand new Leones from the court premises.
Appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah for the second time, Sesay pleaded guilty to the charge. Prosecutor Inspector Mabel Tarawalie presented the caution and charge statements made by the accused to the police, confirming his admission of guilt.
Inspector Tarawalie also revealed that Sesay was not a first-time offender, having previously served time before receiving a presidential pardon earlier this year. Despite his plea for mercy, Magistrate Jah emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the convict’s criminal history.
“The defendant is not a first-time offender. He has previously served time and was granted a presidential pardon. Given the circumstances, I am imposing a custodial sentence,” Magistrate Jah declared.
Sesay was sentenced to five years imprisonment, marking a stern warning against repeat offenses and theft within judicial premises.