By Mamajah Jalloh
An alleged robbery and kidnapping case involving 34-year-old police officer Simpson Vandi Kallon, 36-year-old Mohamed Katalie Lamin, an employee of the Nationals Petroleum Authority (NPAA), and Eric Brima Byle, a private security guard at Chapter One Night Club, has been committed to the High Court after another appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on Thursday, 21st May 2026.
The defendants are facing three counts of conspiracy, robbery with aggravation, and kidnapping.
According to the charge sheet, on Sunday, 29 March 2026, at Touch Point Bar near Saint Mary Supermarket, Hill Cut, Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with others still at large to commit the offences.
On the second count, the prosecution alleged that the defendants, armed with a pistol, robbed Ibrahim Koroma of three gold chains valued at US$30,000, two mobile phones—an iPhone 17 Pro Max valued at US$1,800 and an iPhone 17 valued at US$1,500—as well as US$140,000 and Le360,000 in cash. The court also heard that the complainant was subjected to personal violence during the incident.
The third count stated that the accused allegedly kidnapped Ibrahim Koroma at Juba Bridge in Freetown and held him hostage at G-Complex Guest House in Mile 91, where they reportedly demanded a ransom of US$300,000 for his release.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken.
Prosecuting counsel C.S.P. Tommy B. Zizer, Esq., led witnesses and closed the prosecution’s case, after which the matter was submitted for committal consideration.
Magistrate Jah ruled that the prosecution had established sufficient evidence to warrant committal and therefore ordered that the defendants be sent to stand trial at the High Court.
