NGO Office Burglarized; 21-Year-Old Charged with Larceny

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Ibrahim Kamara, aged twenty-one, appeared in court to face serious charges of theft and property destruction related to an unlawful entry at the premises of Defense for Children’s International.

Charged with Office Breaking and Larceny under the Larceny Act of 1916, along with Malicious Damage, the court reviewed details of the incident that occurred on February 1, 2025.

It is alleged that Mr. Kamara unlawfully entered the organization’s office at #4c Tengbeh Town with the intent to steal. He is accused of taking five thousand five hundred Leones in cash, three pairs of footwear, and various other items, with the total value of the allegedly stolen goods amounting to twenty-seven thousand five hundred Leones, all under the care of staff member Serah Saffa.

Additionally, the second charge claims that Mr. Kamara intentionally caused damage to office property, including a cabinet, ceiling, and lock, with a total valuation of eight thousand one hundred and fifty Leones.

Upon the formal presentation of the charges, Mr. Kamara did not enter a plea. Assistant Superintendent of Police Isatu Baba Musa, representing the prosecution, called Mr. John Tarawally, the finance officer for Defense for Children’s International, to testify.

Mr. Tarawally confirmed his acquaintance with both the complainant and the accused, noting that Mr. Kamara had previously worked as a security operative at the compound housing the office.

On the day in question, Mr. Tarawally was informed by the complainant of suspected activity. Upon arriving at the office, he observed significant damage, particularly a compromised ceiling that obscured both the CCTV camera and the laptop in the administrative office.

He also reported the absence of several personal items and advised the administrative officer to file a formal complaint with the police. His account was subsequently recorded at the Congo Cross police station.

During cross-examination, Mr. Kamara, without legal representation, attempted to challenge Mr. Tarawally’s testimony. Nonetheless, the court proceedings continued with a thorough examination of the evidence presented.

Magistrate Bangura denied bail to the accused and ordered his detention at the male correctional facility in Freetown.

The court proceedings have been adjourned until April 7, 2025, as the legal process continues to seek justice regarding the alleged theft and property damage at Defense for Children’s International.