By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – A labourer, Gibrilla Sesay, also known as “Akuna,” has been committed to stand trial in the High Court on charges of burglary and larceny, following a ruling by Magistrate Sahr Kekura at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1.
Sesay and a co-accused, Abubakar Barrie, were jointly arraigned on two counts—burglary and larceny—relating to a break-in at a residence in Regent Village, Western Area Rural District, on Monday, 9th September 2024.
According to police, Sesay allegedly broke into the home of Gibrilla Kamara at 105 SS Camp, Regent, and stole one black laptop, two Apple iPads, and other valuable items. The total value of the stolen goods was pegged at Le29,950.
Prosecutors further alleged that Barrie, on the same date and at the same location, received the stolen items from his co-accused.
No pleas were taken during the proceedings.
Led by Inspector Kadie Taylor, the prosecution presented three witnesses, including one who submitted various exhibits to support the allegations. After reviewing the case file, Magistrate Kekura ruled on whether the evidence met the threshold for a High Court trial.
He explained that under the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965, he was required to determine whether a prima facie case had been made. Magistrate Kekura pointed out that the first accused, Sesay, admitted to the allegations in his police statement and did not cross-examine any of the prosecution witnesses.
However, in Barrie’s case, the magistrate noted that while his lawyer, A.K. Turay Esq., cross-examined the witnesses, no exhibits or corroborating evidence were presented to prove that he had received any of the stolen goods. Though Sesay had claimed in his statement that he sold the items to Barrie, Magistrate Kekura emphasized that a co-accused’s statement alone is not sufficient to implicate another person in a criminal case without independent corroboration.
Moreover, both prosecution witnesses confirmed that police found nothing of interest when they searched Barrie’s premises.
As a result, Magistrate Kekura ruled that while there was enough evidence to commit Gibrilla Sesay to the High Court for trial, the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Barrie. He was subsequently discharged under Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Bail for Gibrilla Sesay was continued as he awaits trial in the High Court. SKS/8/5/2025
