By: Audrey Raymonda John
Fanta Fofanah appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura for allegedly duping her step-sister’s fiance, Mohamed Turay of eighteen thousand Leones (NLe18,000) pretending that she would facilitate his travelling to Canada. But, the accused failed to do so.
Fofanah 21 was arraigned before the court for the offences of conspiracy to defraud and nice counts charges of obtaining money by false contrary to law.
The police records stated that the accused, on diverse dates between 1st September 2022 and 28th February 2023 at Wellington in Freetown obtained approximately one hundred thousand Leones from Mohamed Turay, James Palmer and others pretending that she would facilitate their travelling to Canada knowing same to be false.
First Prosecution witness Doris Palmer recognized the accused as her step sister and recalled on diverse between 1st September 2022 and 28th February, 2023.
She said the day in question; the accused met and informed her that she had a programme to travel to Canada.
Upon receiving the information, she said she told the accused that she and her fiancé, Mohamed wanted to travel.
She said the accused instructed her and fiancé to meet her at her office Haja Fatmata Wellington in Freetown.
She said the accused told to pay fifteen thousand Leones.
She said within a week, her fiancé, Mohamed Turay gave her three thousand Leones (NLe3,000) and she left for the accused’s office of the said address in Freetown.
She said upon her arrival, she handed over the money to the accused and the form was made available to him.
Doris in total elevation, she paid eighteen thousand Leones (NLe18, 000) to the accused at his office for Turay’s travel to Canada, but she was not issue with any receipt.
She said later Turay told her that he was no longer interested in the travelling program, adding that he wanted part of his money.
The witness said the accused failed to refund Turay’s money and prompted her to report the matter to the Kissy Police Station in Freetown.
Subsequently, she said her mother arrested the accused and was taken to the Kissy Police Station where she made a statement.
Defense counsel, Ibrahim Macfoy started cross examining the witness, but later sought for an adjournment for further cross examination.
Counsel’s application was granted.
Bail of the accused remains in force and the matter was adjourned to 27th October 2023 for further cross examination.
Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP Osman M. Bangura is prosecuting the matter.