By: Audrey Raymonda John
Twenty-seven-year-old businessman Musa Seaport Kamara and businesswoman Serro Sesay appeared again before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on three counts related to an alleged fraudulent travel scheme. The charges include Conspiracy to Defraud (contrary to law), Obtaining Money by False Pretences (contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916), and Possession of Another’s Passport for Unlawful Purpose (contrary to Section 16(1) of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act No. 12 of 2022).
According to the particulars of the offence, between November 1st and 30th, 2024, in Tombo, Western Rural Area, Freetown, the accused conspired with others unknown to defraud Joseph Dawson Kamara of $32,000 USD, equivalent to 768,000 Leones.
On the second count, it is alleged that Serro Sesay, with intent to defraud, falsely claimed she could secure Brazilian visas for David Alhaji Mansaray, Assiatu Dawson Kamara, Mildred Dawson Kamara, and Aminata Sesay, and in doing so obtained $18,000 USD from Joseph Kamara.
On the third count, between January 1st and 31st, 2025, in the Republic of Ghana, Musa Kamara allegedly acted as a recruiter and was found in possession of multiple Sierra Leonean passports belonging to other individuals, for unlawful purposes — including restricting victims’ movements and facilitating trafficking.
When the charges were read in court, no plea was taken.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Dialla Wellington led the first prosecution witness, Joseph Dawson Kamara, who testified that he became acquainted with Musa Kamara through a travel program for his two children to the United States. Kamara explained that an agreement was signed with Serro Sesay (second accused), which was presented and tendered in court.
The witness said that during the agreement signing, present were David Mansaray (husband of Aminata Sesay) and Gibrilla Sesay (Serro Sesay’s son). According to him, Serro confirmed the program’s legitimacy, and later instructed him to hand over passports to a relative named Zainab Bangura. Musa Kamara allegedly confirmed receipt of the passports and assured him that visas would be secured.
Kamara further testified that Musa later claimed to have secured a visa for Aminata Sesay, who was pregnant, and instructed her to travel to Ghana. Following this, David Mansaray also traveled to Ghana. Musa allegedly demanded more money to facilitate travel for Kamara’s children. He agreed to pay $4,000, followed by another $8,000, paid to Serro’s son Gibrilla Sesay. Receipts and agreement documents were produced and tendered in court.
The witness said his children later traveled to Ghana and stayed with friends. On attempting to board a flight at Ghana’s airport, they were apprehended for possessing fake visas. Aminata, due to her pregnancy, was released along with others but ordered to leave Ghana within 24 hours. Kamara had to raise $500 for their return to Freetown.
Kamara added that after the incident, Musa Kamara became unreachable. His daughter, Assiatu Dawson Kamara, found Musa’s Facebook profile, which led to identifying his location in Ghana. With assistance from Interpol, Musa was arrested and extradited to Sierra Leone. Kamara confirmed that he had paid a total of $32,000 USD and never received a refund.
A statement was also made to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Pademba Road, Freetown.
The witness was cross-examined by Zachariah Azibo Kanu Esq.
Due to the seriousness of the charges, Magistrate Fornah denied bail, and the matter was adjourned to July 16, 2025.