By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Prosecution in the high-profile case against Jihad Basma and two co-defendants resumed on Wednesday October 16, 2024 with testimony from Detective Sergeant 7799 Unisa Mohamed Kamara of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The court proceedings took a dramatic turn as Detective Unisa Mohamed Kamara presented a 20.28-carat diamond, which Jihad Basma voluntarily surrendered to the CID. This weight has been verified by the National Minerals Agency (NMA). Jihad Basma and his co-accused, Sheku Kabba and Tamba Lebbie, face charges of conspiracy to commit a felony.
The case originated from a complaint filed by British national Benjamin Marrer, who alleged that Sheku Kabba and Tamba Lebbie conspired to steal a 75-carat diamond. However, during subsequent investigations, Benjamin Marrer admitted to the CID that he had never seen, handled, weighed or valued the diamond in question.
Jihad Basma, a licensed diamond dealer, maintains that the diamond he purchased from Sheku Kabba was indeed the 20.28 carat stone he surrendered. He asserts that he complied with NMA regulations by registering the diamond in his export records. Sheku Kabba has supported Jihad Basma’s claim, confirming that the diamond in police custody is the one he sold to him.
The allegations against the trio also include conspiring to steal a separate diamond purportedly weighing 264 carats and valued at $42 million. Central to the Prosecution’s case are critical questions regarding Benjamin Marrer’s knowledge of this diamond, including whether he ever physically encountered or weighed it and how he arrived at its substantial valuation. Notably, key witnesses, including Foday Mansaray of the Petroleum Directorate and Kai L. Mbayo of the Ministry of Sports, have stated they never came across the alleged 264-carat diamond.
In an unexpected development, a full police report concerning the alleged theft has been leaked, revealing that there was no mention of a 264-carat diamond, even by the complainant.
Attorney General, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, has taken the case to court but is now pursuing an out-of-court settlement, insisting that a mutually agreed-upon amount be reached before releasing Jihad Basma and his co-defendants from custody. Benjamin Marrer and his supporters have proposed a settlement of $42 million, a figure that many observers consider excessive and unrealistic.
Critics of the Prosecution have voiced concerns about the revocation of bail for the accused, who have consistently attended court sessions. Their travel documents are confiscated and they are required to report to the Master and Registrar bi-weekly.
This unfolding saga has been described as a “comedy of errors,” raising serious questions about the integrity of the judicial process and the conduct of the Law Officers Department. As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder to public officials, including Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, Foday Mansaray and Kai L. Mbayo that their positions are contingent on the will of the President, and accountability is paramount in matters of justice.
The case has been adjourned until October 23, 2024, for further hearings. All accused individuals remain remanded at the Pademba Road maximum correctional center.
