A 38-year-old man, Richard Brima, has appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown to face two serious charges—robbery with violence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm—linked to an alleged attack on the President of the Sierra Leone Scrap Metal Association, Abdulai Darboh.
The case, which is currently at the preliminary investigation stage, resumed on Tuesday, May 21, 2025. However, the prosecution’s first witness, Alfred D. Williams, was not fully prepared to proceed with his testimony. As a result, Magistrate Kekura adjourned the matter to Monday, May 26, 2025, for continuation.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident took place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Gava Forestry Quarters in Kenema, Nongowa Chiefdom. Brima is accused of violently robbing Mr. Darboh of a total of $16,000 (USD), Le20,000 in cash, a silver wristwatch valued at Le200, five jerry cans worth Le3,080, and 39 gas bottles valued at Le121,600.
In addition to the stolen items, the accused is also alleged to have taken 5,000 kilograms of aluminum zinc, estimated to be worth Le175,000.
The prosecution asserts that Brima physically assaulted Mr. Darboh during the robbery, inflicting bodily harm just moments before making off with the items.
The case has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim, who leads the national scrap metal association. Court observers and members of the scrap metal community are closely watching the proceedings as they unfold.
The accused remains in custody while the investigation and court proceedings continue.
