By: Audrey Raymonda John
Thirty-seven-year-old Gassimu Kallon, a contractor, made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on a charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge, on Wednesday, 18th June 2025, at Tengbeh Town in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused fraudulently converted to his own use the sum of Le57,000, entrusted to him by Chernor Ibrahim Barrie, an IT consultant, for the purpose of purchasing 460 meters of long-span roofing zinc.
When the charge was read and explained, no plea was taken by the accused.
Leading the prosecution, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isatu Baba Musa called the first prosecution witness, Chernor Ibrahim Barrie, who testified that he knew the accused as a contractor. He recalled that prior to the incident, the accused had contacted him in April 2025 through WhatsApp, offering his services as a contractor and sharing samples of his work and the types of zinc he used.
On 5th May 2025, Barrie invited the accused to his construction site to conduct a survey and prepare a cost estimate. The accused quoted Le57,000 for zinc, Le20,500 for parapet work, and Le18,000 for workmanship. The witness stated that he was advised by the accused to personally purchase the boards needed, which he did.
On 10th June 2025, the accused reportedly urged Barrie to make payment for the zinc. Barrie testified that he made arrangements to provide the Le57,000, including $6,000 in cash, Le16,000 in physical currency, and a cheque for Le27,000, which he handed over to his wife, Marion Barrie, with instructions for the accused to collect the money from her. According to Barrie, the accused subsequently collected the full amount from his wife but failed to deliver the zinc as agreed.
At this stage, ASP Musa requested a short adjournment to confer further with her witness.
Counsel for the accused, A.B. Marah Esq., renewed a previous bail application pursuant to Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965.
However, Magistrate Fornah denied the bail request, citing the seriousness of the offence, and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 7th August 2025.