By Mamajah Jalloh
Julian Jusu, a 21-year-old student, made another appearance today before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing two charges: Larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916 and Malicious Damage contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861.
The particulars of the case state that on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, at the Attaya Base Blue House, IMATT, in the Mountain Rural District, Western Area, Freetown, Jusu allegedly stole nine rolls of 4 M.M.A.C cables and twelve rolls of 2.5 M.M cables, totaling Le 25,350. The cables, owned by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohamed Lamin Tarawalie, were in the custody of caretaker Hassan Turay at the time of the theft.
Additionally, Jusu is accused of maliciously damaging the cables, causing the same value of Le 25,350 in damage. The charges were read to the accused, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution, led by Detective Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K.K, requested a short adjournment as their witness, Hassan Turay, was absent from court. However, Turay, who recognized Jusu from the local community, provided testimony. Turay explained that on the evening of 3rd November, around 8 PM, while patrolling the premises, he caught Jusu in the act of withdrawing cables from the property. Turay subsequently called a friend, Idrissa, for assistance, and together they took Jusu to the police station, where the cables were handed over, and statements were made.
Magistrate Bangura refused to grant bail and ordered that Jusu be remanded in custody at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown. The case was adjourned to 28th November 2024 for further proceedings.
