March 12, 2021
By: Audrey. R. John
Simon Foday Dumbuya, staff of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation attached at Cline town branch in Freetown, has been arrested by the Police at Queen Elizabeth Quay and was charged to court for allegedly chopping over sixty five million Leones.
The accused made his first appearance before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Ross road Court No.3 in Freetown on three counts charges of obtaining money by false pretenses and two counts of causing money to be paid contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
According to the charge sheet, it was stated on count one that, the accused Simon Foday Dumbuya sometime in June 2017, at Queen Elizabeth 2, Cline town Freetown, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of sixty five million Leones from Complainant Abu Rahman by falsely pretending that he have four containers containing two powder milk, and two fresh milk at the Quay which is known to be false.
On count two and three, it was also stated that on the same date at the Queen Elizabeth 2 Cline town Freetown, with intent to defraud, the accused unlawful caused Abu Rahman to pay the sum of forty six million Leones to hire four vehicle trailers to transport two containers powder milk and two fresh milk he purported to be his which is known to be false.
Represented by lawyer C. Vandy, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges pressed against him.
Sergeant M.M George, who is prosecuting the matter, informed the Bench that she will not go on because she has not had proper conferences with Complainant and his witness. The Police Prosecutor also said that there is no affidavit as per the new bail regulation. He argued for the court not to grant bail to the accused. In that circumstance she sought the Bench leave for a date.
Counsel for the accused, C Vandy submitted he is not the prosecution, and not in conduct of the matter.
He therefore applied that his client (accused,) should be put on bail as he is working for the state.
Defence Counsel further stated that the crime his client stand charged for are mere allegation.
In his wisdom, Magistrate Hadiru Daboh granted the accused bail and adjourned the matter to Monday 15th March 2021.