Fatamata Mansaray has appeared before Julia Mary Gbloh at Pademba Road Court No. 5 in Freetown on allegations of child stealing.
The accused was arrested on 21st February 2026 and charged with child stealing, contrary to Section 56 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
According to the police charge sheet, the alleged offence occurred on Monday 9th February 2026 at Kroo Bay in Freetown, where Mansaray is accused of stealing a one-year-nine-month-old baby boy, Patrick Lamin Davidson Patewa, without the consent of his parents.
When the charge was read and explained in court, no plea was taken.
The prosecution, led by Sergeant 3001 Frances Lamin, informed the court that the matter is currently at the Preliminary Investigation (P.I.) stage, during which witnesses are expected to testify before the case proceeds to the High Court of Sierra Leone.
During proceedings, the court heard that the accused has allegedly refused to disclose the whereabouts of the missing child.
Magistrate Gbloh, noting the seriousness of the allegation and the accused’s continued silence on the child’s location, adjourned the matter to 24th March 2026 for committal proceedings at the High Court.
The court further indicated that the defence has seven days remaining to close its case before the matter is transferred for further hearing.
