By Emma Black

Fifteen-year-old Milford King, a plumber, and Nyakeh Lahai Kallon, a mason, made their first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, facing two counts of house breaking and larceny under Section 25(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the charge sheet, on Monday, March 3, 2025, at No. 3 Kamara Drive, Milton Margai College Road, Freetown, the pair allegedly broke into Amina Mans’ home and stole 4,000 New Leones in cash, her property. On the same date and location, they are accused of entering Sarika Kamara’s residence and taking an engagement gold and diamond ring valued at 1,000 United States dollars (equivalent to 24,000 Leones), an Apple AirPods Pro worth 200 United States dollars (4,880 Leones), a large tin of Vaseline valued at 500 New Leones, an HP computer worth 5,000 New Leones, a 1TB hard drive valued at 2,440 Leones, and assorted items totaling 39,870 Leones, all belonging to Sarika Kamara.

Inspector M. Bangura called the first witness, Amina Mans, a businesswoman, who identified the accused in the dock and noted that Milford King is her son’s friend. In her prior testimony, she recounted accompanying a police officer to her home, where Milford was arrested and taken to the station, after which she provided a statement.

During this hearing, the defense counsel cross-examined Amina Mans to assert the innocence of his clients and renewed a previous bail application. Magistrate Kekura granted bail to Nyakeh Lahai Kallon in the sum of 100 Leones with one surety, requiring the surety to reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide valid identification. Bail for Milford King, previously granted, was continued. The case was adjourned to April 10, 2025.