By Hawanatu Thoronka
Doreen Yanava Sonnielly, a student of Fourah Bay College (FBC), is on trial at Magistrate Court No. 2, presided over by Santigie Bangura, for alleged housebreaking and larceny involving the theft of $850,000.
Sonnielly, 22, is being tried alongside James Brima Foyah, a footballer, Yatta Jusu, a businesswoman, and Mammy Momoh. The accused face three felony charges related to housebreaking.
According to the prosecution, between August 1, 2023, and March 6, 2024, the accused conspired with unknown persons to commit housebreaking and larceny at Kaimachendeh Drive, S.S. Camp, in Freetown.
They allegedly broke into the home of Priscilla Jusu Sesay and stole $850,000, equivalent to 17,824,075 new Leones, which belonged to Priscilla Jusu Sesay, Massah Lovette Karimu, and Bishop Lucy Anthony.
Additionally, the accused are charged with receiving, harboring, and assisting Sonnielly and Foyah, knowing they had committed a felony and intending to help them evade punishment.
Detective Edward Serryton from the Criminal Investigation Department, the sixth prosecution witness, testified about his knowledge of the accused and the complainant.
He detailed the process of obtaining statements from the accused, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and visiting the allegedly broken-into house at S.S. Camp, Regent, Freetown, where he took photographs of the scene.
The case continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies presented.
