By Emma Black

In a case that has stunned the residents of Kenema, a man identified as Richard Brima appeared once again before Magistrate Patrick Fofanah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Monday, May 26, 2025. Brima faces serious charges of robbery with violence and assault causing actual bodily harm, following a brutal incident that left a well-known businessman penniless.

The alleged victim, Abdulai Darboh, is the President of the Scrap Metal Association. Prosecutors say that on the evening of Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Gava Forestry Quarters in Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, Brima and a group of accomplices violently assaulted Darboh and robbed him of $16,000 USD equivalent to Le 20,000) and a silver wristwatch.

Prosecution witness Alusine Williams took the stand to recount what he described as a chilling prelude to the robbery, he testified that while walking near the Gava entrance gate located at the site of the former Kenema Forest he was warned by a young boy he once helped not to proceed further, as Brima had brought along a group of dangerous individuals.

I was just at the gate, uncertain whether to enter, Williams told the court, then one of Brima’s men shouted that anyone who dared step inside would be dealt with, the courtroom grew tense as Williams detailed the incident, however, inconsistencies in his statements prompted Magistrate Fofanah to continue Brima’s bail, noting the need for further clarification.

The matter has been adjourned to June 5, 2025, for continued proceedings Meanwhile, the Kenema community remains shaken by the violent nature of the alleged crime, hoping for justice and a return to peace in their once-quiet neighbourhood.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 30TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)