By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The newly appointed Director of Taiama Enterprise Academy (TEA), a tertiary institution in Taiama Town, has reportedly been robbed of her mobile phone and cash after allegedly boarding a vehicle whose occupants are suspected of being involved in criminal activities.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as the Director, popularly known as Aunty Oya, was travelling from Bo towards Freetown.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the victim boarded a vehicle with registration number AQI 449 after the occupants allegedly presented themselves as drivers looking for passengers.
Sources said the situation reportedly changed after the vehicle departed, with the Director allegedly losing her mobile phone and cash to the occupants.
The total value of the items reportedly taken, including the mobile phone and physical cash, is estimated at approximately NLe 7,000.
Following the alleged robbery, the suspects were reportedly sighted around Moyamba Junction, prompting law enforcement officers to intervene.
One female suspect was reportedly apprehended and taken to the Taiama Police Station. A male suspect was subsequently arrested as police intensified efforts to establish what transpired and identify others who may have been involved.
The matter has reportedly been transferred to the Moyamba Police Division, where further investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged robbery.
Police are also expected to establish whether the vehicle and its occupants were deliberately posing as passenger-seeking drivers as part of an alleged scheme to target travellers.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of passengers using commercial vehicles, particularly those travelling along major routes between Bo, Moyamba and Freetown.
Residents and regular travellers are likely to face renewed calls to exercise caution when boarding vehicles, particularly where the identity of drivers and other occupants cannot be easily verified.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to establish the identities of the suspects, determine their possible involvement in the alleged robbery and ascertain whether they may be connected to similar incidents reported along the route.
The Director’s alleged experience has also highlighted broader concerns about passenger security and the need for stronger measures to prevent criminals from using public transportation as a means of targeting unsuspecting travellers.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 17th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
