On Thursday, June 6, 2024, a group of individuals, including students from Fourah Bay College (FBC), appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown. The accused included 22-year-old Doreen Yavana Sonnielly, an FBC student; 20-year-old James Fayia Foyah, also an FBC student; 27-year-old James Brima Foyah, a footballer; 54-year-old Yatta Jusu, a businesswoman; and 21-year-old Mammy Momoh, also known as Grace, a student. They faced serious charges including conspiracy to commit a felony, housebreaking, and larceny under Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act 1916, along with being accessories after the fact.

According to the charges, between August 1, 2023, and March 6, 2024, the accused conspired to commit housebreaking and larceny at Kaimachendeh Drive, SS Camp, Freetown. They allegedly broke into the home of Priscilla Jusu Sesay and stole $850,000, equivalent to 17,824,075 new Leones. The money belonged to Priscilla Jusu Sesay, Massah Lovette Karimu, and Bishop Lucy Anthony, and was under the custody of Priscilla Jusu Sesay at the time of the theft.

The prosecution detailed that on the same dates and location, the accused individuals aided, received, harbored, and assisted Doreen Yavana Sonnielly and James Foyah, knowing they had committed a felony and intending to help them evade punishment.

During their court appearance, the charges were read to the accused, but no pleas were entered. The prosecution's first witness, Priscilla Jusu Sesay, testified that Doreen Yavana Sonnielly is her niece, James Fayia Foyah is her nephew, James Brima Foyah is her sister, and Mammy Momoh is the first accused's boyfriend.

Lead Defense Counsel CI Williams applied for bail on behalf of the accused, but Magistrate Santigie Bangura, after considering the evidence, remanded all the accused in custody until June 11, 2024. State Counsel J.A.K. Sesay is prosecuting the case.

The case has attracted significant attention due to the involvement of university students and the large amount of money allegedly stolen. The court proceedings will continue to determine the full extent of the alleged crimes and the fate of the accused individuals.