Freetown, Sierra Leone — October 6, 2025: Local footballer Abdul Sesay was on Monday sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of stealing a mobile phone belonging to a court registrar at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1.
Sesay, who had earlier benefitted from a presidential pardon, admitted to stealing a silver Samsung Galaxy A-15 valued at twelve thousand new Leones from the premises of the court on September 16, 2025.
The phone belonged to Registrar Bakisa Massaquoi.
The case was heard before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah, where Sesay pleaded guilty to one count of larceny under Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
Prosecutor Inspector Mabel Tarawalie submitted the caution and charge statements, confirming that Sesay confessed to the crime during police investigations.
Inspector Tarawalie also disclosed that the footballer was not a first-time offender, noting that he had previously served a prison term before receiving a presidential pardon earlier this year.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Jah underscored the gravity of the offense, particularly given Sesay’s criminal record and the location of the theft.
“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,” the Magistrate declared.
Sesay was sentenced to five years imprisonment, a ruling the court said was intended to serve as a strong warning against repeat offenders and crimes committed within judicial premises.
