By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN – Principal Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court has ordered state prosecutors to fully disclose all evidence to the defence before proceeding with the alleged container theft case at Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
The ruling, delivered on Monday 27 July 2026, came after defence lawyers objected to an attempt by State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay to call the first witness immediately after serving disclosure documents. Defence counsel argued that the move contravened provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
Ten accused persons—Abu Bakarr Kabba Mansaray, Ibrahim Ahmed Kargbo, Ibrahim Bangura, Benito Conteh, Mohamed Amara Kamara, Alhassan Kamara, Jacob Gbaya, Mohamed Sahr Tommy, Chernor Amadu Sesay and Abu Mansaray—made their second appearance in connection with the alleged theft of a shipping container and related offences at Water Quay, Cline Town.
They face five counts including conspiracy to commit larceny, larceny, forgery, uttering a forged document, and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Prosecutors allege that between 1 and 22 May 2026, the defendants conspired with others to steal container TLLU 2297785, which was under the custody of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) as part of a police investigation.
The prosecution further claims that on 13 May 2026, the container was unlawfully removed from SLPHA custody. One of the accused, Chernor Amadu Sesay, is alleged to have forged and used a staff identity card from a clearing agency to facilitate the removal.
Magistrate Jah ruled that the defence must be given adequate time to review disclosure materials, identify witnesses, and prepare for cross‑examination. He directed the prosecution to furnish all relevant documents before the committal hearing could proceed.
Defence lawyers Maddieu Sesay, Brima Koroma, and Jessica M. Jengo applied for bail, citing their clients’ residency, credible sureties, and assurances against interference with witnesses. Magistrate Jah, however, refused bail, citing the gravity of the offences, and remanded all ten accused to the male correctional facility.
The matter was adjourned to 30 July 2026 for further proceedings.