By: Audrey Raymonda John
Paul Koroma, a motorbike rider, appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing charges of fraudulent conversion under Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charge alleges that on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Sumaila Town in the Western Area of Freetown, Koroma fraudulently converted a black Bajaj motorbike (registration number AUR 560), valued at 12,000 Leones, which had been entrusted to him by Nelson Bundu Bangura for safekeeping.
When the charge was read and explained, Koroma did not enter a plea.
The prosecution, led by Detective Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K.K., called its first witness, Nelson Bundu Bangura, a commercial motorbike rider. Bangura recalled that on the day in question, Koroma had approached him for assistance. Koroma claimed that his neighbor, Mr. John, was looking for a rider for his motorbike. Bangura recommended Koroma to Mr. John, who then entrusted the motorbike to Koroma through Bangura. The motorbike was a Bajaj Boxer model.
However, Koroma never returned the motorbike. Bangura testified that after several days and weeks passed without seeing the motorbike or hearing from Koroma, he became concerned. The agreement between Koroma and Mr. John had been that the motorbike would be used for commercial purposes, with Koroma agreeing to pay 130 Leones per day for its use.
Bangura later reported the matter to the New England Police Station, and Koroma was eventually arrested by his brother and brought to him. When questioned about the motorbike, Koroma did not provide any satisfactory answers. Bangura concluded his testimony by stating that a statement was taken from him at the police station.
The defendant was cross-examined by his legal representative.
In light of the charges and the proceedings, Magistrate John Manso Fornah refused bail and remanded the defendant to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter has been adjourned to October 9, 2025, for further hearings.