By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mohamed Bangura, a business man has appeared before Magistrate Josephine Boima Hengah of Ross Road Court No. 2 for allegedly defrauding Isatu Morlai Mansaray and two other a huge sum pretending that he would offer them online study courses knowing same to be false.
Mohamed Bangura, 35 yrs-old appeared before the court on three counts charges of causing money to be paid and other related offences contrary to law.
It was alleged that the accused, on Thursday 24th August, 2023 at Calaba Town, in Freetown, obtained thousands of Leones from Isatu Morlai Mansaray and two others pretending that he would facilitate studies for them online knowing same to be false.
First Prosecution witness (PW1) Isatu Morlai Mansaray recognized the accused, through one of her relatives call Kadija, and recalled on Thursday 24th August 2023.
She said on the day in question, she was at FBC Campus.
At this stage, the police prosecutor, Police Constable 14865 Agnes E. Bona requested an adjournment for her to have proper conference with the witness, which was granted.
Defence counsel Y. Sankoh applied for bail on behalf of the accused, citing section 78(2) and (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965.
Lawyer Sankoh assured that his client had reliable sureties willing and ready to enter into his reconzinance.
Counsel said the accused would not pose any flight risk and would always avail himself in court as and when needed by the court.
He said the accused would not interfere with prosecution’s witnesses.
There was no affidavit in opposition opposing bail.
Responding, Magistrate Hengah granted the accused three thousand Leones (NLe3, 000) bail with a surety in like.
The surety should reside in Freetown and bail should be approved by the Deputy Master and Registrar.
The matter was adjourned to 23rd October 2023 for further explanation in chief.