Freetown—In a case that has captured public attention, two military officers, Mohamed Buya Fofanah, 49, and Idrissa Conteh, 46, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on charges related to store breaking and larceny.
The charges stem from an alleged theft of solar equipment from the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) compound located in Kirma, Port Loko District. According to court documents, the incident took place on July 10, 2024, at the SLRA facility in Kafu Bullom Chiefdom. Fofanah is accused of breaking into the store and making off with six solar batteries and 34 solar panels, items valued at a total of 79,000 Leones.
Conteh, the second defendant, faces charges of receiving stolen property, specifically two solar panels worth 2,000 Leones, with prosecutors alleging that he knew the items were stolen.
During the court session, the two men did not enter pleas. Prosecutor Detective Police Constable K.K. Thoronka requested a bench warrant for Conteh, who was absent, and sought an adjournment to prepare for presenting witnesses.
Magistrate Bangura granted the prosecution’s request, ordering that Fofanah be remanded to the male correctional facility in Freetown.
The case has been adjourned until October 10, 2024.