Emma Morlai Sesay, 19, remains in custody after a court denied her bail for the second time amidst serious allegations of stealing a newborn baby.
The charge relates to an incident that allegedly occurred on November 13, 2024, in the Fort Street area of Freetown.
During the court proceedings presided over by Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2, the first prosecution witness, police officer Dolly Faith Johnson from the Family Support Unit, Central Division, who investigated the case, testified that on the day of the incident, she received a report from the baby's mother, Martha Sesay, accusing Emma of stealing her child.
Officer Johnson detailed that she documented the complaint, advised the mother to search for the child, and provided her with contact information for follow-up.
The following day, on November 14, 2024, around noon, Johnson received a call from Inspector Josephine Joseph at the Rogbane, Makeni police station, informing her that Emma had been apprehended with the child in her possession.
Later that day, Police Constable 12113 Fofanah brought the accused, the child, and the complainant to the station. Officer Johnson stated that she obtained a confession from Emma, which was submitted as evidence in court.
Further along in the testimony, Officer Johnson confirmed that on January 20, 2025, she formally charged Emma with child stealing. The charge statement was also presented as evidence.
During cross-examination, Emma’s lawyer, A. N. D. Musa requested bail for the accused. However, Magistrate Bangura denied the request, highlighting the gravity of the allegations.
He ordered Emma Morlai Sesay to remain in custody until the next hearing scheduled for February 5, 2025.
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