By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
A Freetown Magistrate Court has jailed Abubakarr Dumbuya, a labourer, for two years after he was found guilty of maliciously damaging graves and attempting to steal vaults valued at Le12,000 at Kingtom Cemetery.
Magistrate Jah delivered the judgment on Monday, April 6, 2026, following a full trial. Dumbuya was accused of destroying four vault graves on the premises of Kingtom Cemetery in the Western Area. Each vault was valued at Le3,000, bringing the total damage to Le12,000. The property belongs to the Freetown City Council.
When the charges were read to him, Dumbuya pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor Inspector Kadie M. Taylor led evidence and called witnesses to establish the case. After the prosecution closed, the court reserved the matter for judgment.
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah said he had considered the evidence presented, the facts of the case, and the defendant’s plea in mitigation. The magistrate described the act as a serious offense against public property and community values, and said it warranted a custodial sentence.
He ordered that Dumbuya serve two years at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown, with no option of a fine.
The case drew attention in court due to concerns over the desecration of burial sites in the capital. Officials stressed the need to protect cemeteries and respect community property.
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