By: Alimatu Kargbo
Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 has remanded three family members in custody for allegedly stealing US$7,000 while serving as caretakers. The accused Abubakarr Turay, Fatmata Bangura, and their daughter, Kadiatu Turay, face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and larceny in violation of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged theft occurred on January 15, 2025, at Fadika Drive, Hill Station, Freetown. The prosecution alleges that the three conspired to steal US$7,000 (Le170,100) belonging to Kai Kamara.
When the charges were read, Abubakarr Turay pleaded not guilty, while Fatmata Bangura and Kadiatu Turay admitted to the offense.
During Tuesday’s court hearing, prosecution witness Musa Koroma, a businessman, testified before Magistrate Kekura.
Koroma explained that Kai Kamara is his brother, and he knows the three accused persons. He identified Abubakarr Turay as Kamara’s caretaker, Fatmata Bangura as Turay’s wife, and Kadiatu Turay as their daughter.
He recalled that visiting Kamara’s apartment at Imatt on January 11, 2025, Kamara informed him that he would be traveling in two days and planned to deposit some money in the bank. As Kamara went upstairs to take a bath, he called Abubakarr Turay, who came downstairs shortly afterward with his daughter, Kadiatu, who was visibly upset.
When Koroma asked what was wrong, Abubakarr refused to explain.
Suspicious, Koroma went upstairs and found Kamara distressed. “These people have stolen my money,” Kamara reportedly said.
Koroma returned downstairs but only found Kadiatu, still crying. Moments later, she confessed to having US$100 in her bag, claiming she found it while laundering Kamara’s clothes.
He followed her to their apartment and discovered the money in a yellow bag.
Soon after, the police arrived, and a search of the caretaker’s apartment. The three were arrested and taken to Mountain Cut Police Station. Despite being questioned repeatedly, Abubakarr maintained his innocence.
Defense counsel applied for bail, but Magistrate Kekura refused the request. The case was adjourned to February 11, 2025.
