The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has handed over Mohamed Ansumana M. Dabeni to the Criminal Investigations Department following the alleged theft of a bag containing more than US$20,000 at the Ministry’s headquarters.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the incident occurred at its reception area on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. The missing bag reportedly belonged to an Egyptian national who had visited the Ministry.
The Ministry alleged that closed-circuit television footage showed Mohamed Ansumana M. Dabeni taking the bag from the reception area before leaving the premises.
Staff reportedly became aware of the incident after Mohamed Ansumana M. Dabeni had departed. A prompt review of the surveillance footage was subsequently conducted, leading to his identification as the alleged suspect.
Mohamed Ansumana M. Dabeni was later apprehended by Ministry staff and handed over to the Sierra Leone Police for further investigation.
The Ministry further claimed that Mohamed Ansumana M. Dabeni admitted taking the bag but had not cooperated with efforts to recover the missing money. He remained in police custody as the Criminal Investigations Department continued its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the whereabouts of the funds.
The Ministry commended members of staff for their vigilance and swift response, noting that their actions helped identify and apprehend the suspect.
It also assured members of the public that it remained committed to strengthening security and protecting visitors, employees and property at its offices.
The allegations against Mohamed Ansumana M. Dabeni remain subject to police investigation and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court of law.
