By: Audrey Raymonda John
Two individuals, Osman Dumbuya, a farmer, and Sheka Foday Turay, a student, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown. They wer facing two charges: conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, between August 1 and August 31, 2022, at Manboreh Junction, Old Road, Calaba Town, Freetown, the accused, along with unknown individuals, allegedly conspired to defraud Haja Kadie Kamara of 18,000 Leones (NLe 18).
In the second charge, the first accused is alleged to have fraudulently obtained the said amount by falsely claiming he could facilitate the complainant’s travel to Dubai, despite knowing the claim was false.
When the charges were read and explained, both accused persons pleaded guilty.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant 9939 Lahi M. called Exhibit Clerk Buyah Abu Kamara, attached to the Ross Road Police Division, to testify. Kamara stated that his role is to collect and safeguard exhibits until they are required in court. He recalled that on August 5, 2024, Detective Police Constable (DPC) 11213 Kandeh M. handed over the sum of 18,000 Leones to him as evidence, which he recorded under serial number 15/2024.
Following this, the prosecution closed its case. Magistrate Sahr Kekura then asked the accused whether they would rely on their statements given to the police or bring witnesses to testify on their behalf, but they remained silent.
The matter has been adjourned to March 17, 2025, for further proceedings.
