FREETOWN – Two sailors employed by Seacoach, Samuel Benjamin Moiba and Alfred Karim Koroma, have been arraigned in court over allegations of conspiracy and theft in connection with a high-profile heist at a Freetown terminal.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 for their second hearing, where they faced two charges: conspiracy to commit theft and larceny. Prosecutors claim that on February 9, 2025, at Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen, the duo, along with unidentified accomplices, orchestrated the theft of a suitcase and electronic gadgets belonging to Dr. Sherif Emil, a client of Seacoach Express.
The stolen items reportedly included a black suitcase, a grey Dell laptop, a black Samsung A23 mobile phone, a stethoscope, and other valuables totaling Le 124,800.
During the court proceedings, Inspector Kadie M. Taylor led the prosecution, presenting Micah Tanimu, the General Manager of Seacoach, as the first witness.
Tanimu recounted that he was alerted about the missing luggage by a Mercy Ship coordinator around 10 PM on the night of the incident. Upon reviewing CCTV footage, he saw the first accused leaving the terminal with three bags—one of which was later identified as the stolen suitcase. Confronted with the footage, the suspect initially denied involvement but later admitted to being present.
The footage, submitted as evidence and marked Exhibit A, also led to the identification of the second accused. Tanimu promptly reported the matter to the police, leading to their arrest.
Defense lawyer S. Smart Esq. cross-examined the witness and sought bail for the accused, but Magistrate Kekura denied the request, citing the seriousness of the charges.
The defendants have been remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown, with the case adjourned to April 11, 2025.
