By:Audrey Raymonda John
Twenty-three years old Mohamed Suma a business man made another appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba road court No.2 in Freetown on six count charges ranging from Obtaining money by false pretenses contrary to section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence on diverse dates between 14th February to 16th March 2023 at Gibo Lane off Syke Street the western area in Freetown with intent with intent to defraud obtained the sum of eight thousand Leones (8,000) from Mohamed Abass Koroma by falsely pretending that he will facilitate his travelling to Malaysia knowing same to be false.
On count 2,3,4,5 and 6 the accused person on diverse dates between 1st January to 28th December 2023 at the above address in Freetown with intent to defraud obtained the sum of Forty-five thousand five hundred Leones (45,500) from Kassim Bangura, Mohamed Turay, and Shaka Sankoh by falsely pretending that he will facilitate his travelling to Malaysia knowing same to be false.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused person No plea was taken.
Deputy Superintendent of police Saio Conteh lead Prosecution witness number three Sergeant 9823 Brima Turay said he recognized the accused person and the complainant in this matter.
On the 29th August 2023, he was at the Criminal Investigation Department Central Police Station when the accused person was arrested and brought in for the offence of obtaining money by false pretences, the witness said the accused person obtained the sum of forty-seven thousand seven hundred Leones from four complainant the matter was allocated to him for investigation.
He obtained statements from the complainant and witnesses on the 30th August 2023 himself together with DPC 18627 Charlie S obtained interview caution statement from the accused person.
The statement was produced in court to form part of the court records.
On the 2nd September 2023 himself together with Inspector Mohamed Kamara charged the accused person with the offence of obtaining money by false pretences.
Inspector Mohamed Kamara obtained charge statement from the accused person, at the conclusion of the statement it was read over and explained to the accused person in krio language which was recorded in English language.
Since then the said statement was in the custody of the police, the charge statement was produced and tendered in court to form part of the court records.
The witness was cross examined by defense counsel A.Vandy.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Bangura adjourned the matter to the 12th February 2024 whilst the bail continues for the accused person.