By Audrey Raymonda John
Martin Alimamy Kargbo, purportedly a Land Agent affiliated with the United Real Estate Organization, is currently under investigation by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba road court No.1. He faces two charges: Conspiracy to commit a crime and Causing Money to be paid to another by means of false pretences, as per section 32 (2) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the allegations, between November 13th, 2023, and December 21st, 2023, in Freetown, Kargbo conspired to defraud by falsely claiming ownership of land. It’s claimed that he obtained One Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred Leones under false pretenses from Jariatu Sumner, a businesswoman, by falsely presenting a land sale offer.
During the court proceedings, led by police prosecutor ASP I. S Mansaray, Sumner testified. She recounted her encounter with Kargbo, identifying him as a Land Agent. Sumner explained that Kargbo, presenting himself as a representative of United Real Estate Organization, offered land for sale in the Baw Baw Community, allegedly owned by one Christian Martin.
Sumner stated that negotiations took place, with Kargbo initially quoting Nle150m, which was later bargained down. Subsequently, meetings with lawyers were arranged to discuss the land transaction. Sumner recounted multiple visits to verify the land’s authenticity, culminating in a partial payment of Nle 137,500 to Christian Martin, accompanied by receipt issuance through her lawyer.
The prosecution requested an adjournment, which was granted, setting the next hearing for February 29th, 2023. Meanwhile, Kargbo remains remanded at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road.
