December 8, 2021
By: Audrey John
Jose Ramon Gaztelurrutia Ezpeleta 60yrs old, Ander Abona Gaztelurrutia 27yrs old and Landing Sanneh 52yrs old made their first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba road court No.1 in Freetown on three court charges of Conspiracy to defraud – Contrary to law, Obtaining credit under false pretenses contrary to Section 13 (1) of the Debtors Act 1869 and Obtaining credit by fraud other than false pretenses contrary to section 13 (1) of the Debtors Act 1869.
According to the particulars of offence on a date between 30th September and 24th November 2021 at Pearl Hotel, beach road Aberdeen the western area in Freetown with intent to defraud, conspired together with other persons unknown to defraud the management of Pearl Hotel the Sum of fifteen thousand united States dollars equivalent to one hundred and seventy seven million Leones (177,000,000), and on the same date at the same place incurring debt of liability to Pearl Hotel obtained credit to the tune of fifteen thousand united States dollars equivalent to one hundred and seventy seven million Leones(177,000,000) by fraud other than pretenses, property of Pearl Hotel Management.
The matter was mentioned in court but the interpreters were not present and Magistrate Keikura responding to defense counsel, Walter Gaber that he ‘cannot send the accused persons to prison because it a woeful detention’.
He ordered the prosecution Sergeant 9155 Dwight Macarthy to take both accused persons to the Criminal Investigation Department CID headquarters, Pademba Road Freetown.
Matter was adjourned to the 8th December 2021.