By: Edrie Caleb John
In a final appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Court No. 2, Pademba Road, Freetown, Ibrahim Marrah, a driver, has closed his case regarding an alleged theft and now awaits a ruling from the bench.
The accused was presented with three options for his testimony: rely on his police statement, explain his case in the dock—which holds less weight—or take the witness stand and testify under oath, with the option to swear on the Quran or Bible. Marrah chose the latter and proceeded to testify.
According to Ibrahim Marrah, who resides in Immat, he was operating a TVS motorbike for the complainant, identified as Mamie Johnson, and assisting her with various household chores. He recounted a Thursday morning during heavy rain when he helped a driver named Mr. Lahai with luggage. In gratitude, he received a token of 20 Leones for his assistance.
Marrah further stated that Mr. Samura, a contractor, later asked for his help transporting boards to a work site. Afterward, when he went to collect food, the complainant accused him, saying, “Many people saw you carrying my iron ore out of my compound,” which he denied.
With no witnesses to corroborate his story, Marrah was taken to the police station, and the case was subsequently transferred to court. He was unrepresented by legal counsel during the proceedings, with Police Constable 18235 Thoronkka Kk prosecuting the matter.
Marrah faces a single count of larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916. The particulars of the offense state that on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at No. 2 Yomie Cole Avenue off Leicester Road, Freetown, he allegedly stole 62 lengths of half-inch iron rods, each valued at 160 Leones, amounting to a total estimated value of 9,920 Leones, the property of Joyce Johnson Nee Davies.
The Magistrate has adjourned the matter for ruling on October 9, 2024.
