By Audrey Raymonda John
In a recent development at Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, three students from Milton Margai Technical University, namely Ansumana Osman Sowa, Hassan Sumah, and Sallu Aloha Sesay, found themselves embroiled in a legal debacle. The trio was brought before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters on Pademba road, Freetown, on allegations of forging three Sierra Leone Commercial Bank deposit slips.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, 31st August 2023, led to the arrest of the accused individuals by Abdulai Alie Amara, the Branch Manager of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank located on Wilkinson Road, Freetown.
According to the charge sheet, the accused face a total of 12 counts, including six counts of Forgery of Documents Contrary to Section 4 (1) of the Forgery Act, 1913, six counts of Uttering of Forged Documents Contrary to Section 6 (1)(2) of the Forgery Act 1913, and a count of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony Contrary to law.
The allegations outlined in the charge sheet detail the specific actions of each accused individual on different dates in August 2023, involving the forgery and uttering of various Sierra Leone Commercial Bank documents. Ansumana Osman Sowa, Hassan Sumah, and Sallu Aloha Sesay are accused of forging and uttering bank payment slips and automated cash deposit slips, with the intent to defraud the bank.
Sergeant 9939 Lahai M has been appointed as the prosecutor for the case, which has now been adjourned to the 20th of February 2024. The accused persons are currently out on bail pending further legal proceedings.
