Photographer Jailed Over Alleged Armed Robbery Involving Motorbike and Cash

April 18, 2025

A Sierra Leonean photographer, Lindon Thomas, has been remanded in custody following a denied bail request by a magistrate at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court in Freetown. The decision was based on the gravity of the charges brought against him, including robbery with aggravation.

The alleged incident occurred on February 16, 2025, in Waterloo, Western Rural District. Thomas is accused of using a syringe as a weapon during the robbery. He reportedly stole a motorbike valued at 16,000 Leones, a Techno Pop 2 mobile phone worth 2,500 Leones, and 540 Leones in cash, totaling 19,040 Leones. The victim, Joseph Thoronka, was said to have suffered personal violence during the encounter.

Though the charges were read in court, Thomas did not enter a plea. The prosecution requested a short adjournment to consult with witnesses.

Defense lawyer T. Foday Musa argued for bail, citing Thomas’s local residence and credible sureties, and referenced a provision of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965. Despite this, the magistrate refused the application, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. The case was adjourned to April 23, 2025, for further proceedings.