By: Audrey Raymonda John
Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 11, 2025 – Two land surveyors, Ahmed Mansaray (39) and Maligie Kanu (33), have made their first appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8, facing seven criminal charges, including conspiracy, forgery, and uttering forged documents, contrary to the Forgery Act of 1913.
The accused are charged as follows: Count 1: Conspiracy to commit a crime (contrary to law). Counts 2–4: Forgery (contrary to Section 2(1)(a) of the Forgery Act 1913). Counts 5–7: Uttering forged documents (contrary to Section 6(1)(2) of the Forgery Act 1913)
According to court documents, between June 10 and June 12, 2025, at the Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with unknown persons to forge three National Revenue Authority (NRA) survey bill receipts.
The forged documents, each with different Land Survey (LS) numbers NA 35205, NA 34125, and NA 32201 purported to show that Isatu Isha Dumbuya had made cash payments of Le 53 to the NRA. The prosecution alleges that these receipts were fraudulently created with the intent to deceive and were submitted to the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning (MLHCP) as genuine documents.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken.
The lead prosecutor, Detective Police Constable 14898 Joseph Lamin Dumbuya, requested a short adjournment to allow him to lead his first witness.
Defence Counsel, C.J. Bangura Esq., applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons, arguing that: They are Sierra Leoneans and residents within the court’s jurisdiction. They have fixed abodes and reliable sureties willing to stand in recognizance. They are not flight risks and will not interfere with prosecution witnesses.
Counsel made the application pursuant to Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
Magistrate Samura refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offenses. He ordered the accused persons to be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to July 15, 2025, for further hearing.