In a compelling courtroom drama, Abu Bakarr Fayoma, a 20-year-old military officer, has been refused bail in relation to charges of theft involving military property. The case took a riveting turn as Amara Joseph Bundu, another military officer residing at Wilberforce Barracks, took the witness stand to deliver a crucial testimony against Fayoma.
Fayoma, accused of housebreaking and larceny, faced the stern testimony of Bundu, who identified him as a fellow resident of the Wilberforce Military Barracks. Bundu’s account of events leading to the arrest revealed a disturbing breach of security within the barracks. He detailed receiving a call from his superior about an individual apprehended by the military police for trespassing into his quarters and making off with service uniforms and other belongings.
Bundu’s testimony held weight as he arrived at the military police station, positively identifying some of his belongings among the recovered items. However, the exact value of the stolen items remained uncertain, given that they were issued by the military and not individually purchased.
Despite an earnest bail application put forth by Fayoma’s legal team on August 7, 2023, Magistrate Mark Ngegba decisively denied bail, ordering the accused back to the confines of the Pademba Road Male Correctional Center in Freetown.
As the proceedings unfolded, the defense counsel requested additional time for a thorough cross-examination of Bundu’s testimony, a motion that the court granted. The case is set to resume on August 22, 2023, as the examination of this pivotal witness continues.
