Footballer Denied Bail For Robbery
By Fatmata Mohamed Bangura
Aiah Bayoh, a footballer made his first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on two count charges which include Robbery with Aggravation, contrary to section 23(1) (a) of the Larceny Act of 1916 as repealed and replaced by section 2 of Act No. 16 of 1971.
According to the particulars of offence on Thursday 21st December 2023, at School Yard Murray Town, in the Western Area of Freetown, he was armed with a knife and robbed Festus Sannoh of an iPhone Pro Max valued at Twelve Thousand Leones (NLe12,000) a Gucci Cross Bag valued at Three Hundred and Seventy Leones (NLe370) and a Locker with a key valued at Seven Hundred Leones (NLe700), totaling Thirteen Thousand and Seventy Leones (NLe13,070).
Additionally, at the same time or immediately after the robbery he was accused of using personal violence against Festus Sannoh.
On court two on the same date and place, armed with a knife, Bayoh Allegedly robbed Isha King of an Oppo Mobile phone valued at Eleven Thousand Leones (NLe11,000) and a ladies’ cross bag valued at Two Hundred and Fifty Leones (NLe250) totaling Eleven Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty Leone (NLe11,250).
He is also accused of using personal violence against Isha King, either immediately before or after the robbery.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused person, no plea was taken. Sergeant 9939 Mohamed Lahai led Prosecution Witness number two, Isha King, a student at the St. Joseph Primary School.
She identified the accused person during the incident recounting that on the 21st of December 2023, during the school fest show she went out to use the restroom.
Festus accompanied her behind the building where they encountered the accused person and two friends. They forcibly removed her bag which contained an Oppo A17 Phone worth Eleven Million Old Leones, along with Two Hundred and Fifty Leones in physical cash and some clothes.
Prosecution witness number one managed to escape and called a Military Officer.
The Military Officer apprehended the accused person as he attempted to flee.
Isha King made a statement at Congo Cross Police station and underwent a Medical Examination at Cannaught Hospital returning with an endorsed medical request form to the police station.
Counsel representing the accused person, O. V Gaber, sought a short adjournment date.
However, Magistrate Kekura denied him bail and remanded the accused person to the Male Correctional facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned for 8th February 2024.
