By Elizabeth Kamara
A 15-year-old plumber, Milford King, and Nyakeh Lahai Kallon, a mason, made their first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown.
They are facing a two-count charge of housebreaking and larceny, contrary to Section 25(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the prosecution, on March 3, 2025, at No. 3 Kamara Drive, Milton Margai College Road, Freetown, the accused unlawfully broke into the residence of Amina Mans and stole cash amounting to four thousand New Leones, property of Amina Mans.
The second count alleges that, on the same date and at the same location, both accused individuals also broke into the residence of Miss Sarika Kamara and stole one gold and diamond engagement ring valued at $1,000 USD (approximately 2,400 New Leones).
He also stole one Apple AirPods Pro valued at $200 USD (approximately 4,880 New Leones), one large tin of body Vaseline valued at 500 New Leones, one HP laptop valued at 5,000 New Leones, one 1TB external hard drive valued at 2,440 New Leones, and other assorted items, bringing the total value of stolen property to 39,870 New Leones, all belonging to Sarika Kamara.
When the charges were read, no plea was taken from the accused.
The first prosecution witness, Amina Mans, a businesswoman, recognized the accused in the dock. She testified that on March 3, 2025, while she was at her shop, she received a phone call from her daughter, Marissa Mans, informing her of a break-in at their home.
Upon her arrival, Amina discovered severe damage to multiple areas of the house, including the veranda ceiling, dining room ceiling, her daughter’s room ceiling, and her own bedroom ceiling. Additionally, her kitchen door was damaged, and her bedroom door was left open.
She further explained that upon inspecting her room, she found her bed ransacked. Her church bag, which contained 3,000 New Leones, had been taken. A separate money box containing 1,000 New Leones had also been broken into and the cash inside were missing.
During her search, she found an unfamiliar shirt on her bed. She immediately informed her daughter, who then called a family friend, George, to help investigate. George took the shirt to Milford King’s house, where Milford’s father identified it as belonging to his son.
Milford was subsequently arrested by George and brought to the crime scene. Amina then reported the matter to the Adonkia Police Station. She returned with police officers, who arrested Milford and took him to the station, where she made a formal statement.
The defense counsel applied for bail on behalf of the accused. Magistrate Kekura granted bail to Milford King in the sum of 100 Leones, requiring one surety who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide a valid identity card. However, bail was denied for Nyakeh Lahai Kallon.
The case was adjourned to April 1, 2025.
