Theft at UBA Bank
By Bonnke Fofanah
Augustine Smith made his first court appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1, charged with stealing over twenty thousand New Leones from a complainant’s account using her ATM card.
Smith faces one count of larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charge sheet revealed that on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) on Rawdon Street, Freetown, Smith unlawfully withdrew twenty-eight thousand New Leones (Le28,000) from the account of Salamatu Sankoh using her ATM card.
When the charges were read, Smith pleaded guilty and admitted to the offense. He told Magistrate Kekura that he and the complainant share a child and claimed they live together.
Upon questioning, Smith explained he used the stolen money for a travel opportunity through Q-Net, which ultimately failed.
However, the complainant, Salamatu Sankoh, disputed Smith’s claim of cohabitation. She clarified that while they share a child, they do not live together, though Smith occasionally sleeps at her home. She added that the stolen money had been saved to support their child, as Smith has neglected his financial responsibilities as a father.
Following the proceedings, Magistrate Kekura remanded Smith to the Male Correctional Facility. The case was adjourned.