Three men, including a serving police officer, have been remanded in custody at Pademba Road Prison after making their initial court appearance in Freetown on allegations of armed robbery and kidnapping.
The accused—Simpson Vandi Kallon, Mohamed Katalie Lamin, and Eric Brima Byle—appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah to answer to the charges.
Prosecutors told the court that the men allegedly worked together to carry out a robbery near Saint Mary Supermarket at Hill Cut, where they reportedly targeted a businessman identified as Ibrahim Koroma. During the incident, the suspects are said to have made away with significant sums of money and other valuables.
The prosecution further alleged that the victim was later abducted at Juba Bridge and transported to Mile 91, where he was allegedly held at a guest house. While in captivity, the suspects reportedly demanded a ransom of $300,000 for his release.
No plea was taken during the proceedings. Magistrate Jah ordered that the accused be remanded as investigations continue.
The matter has been adjourned to a later date.
