By: Audrey Raymonda John
Twenty-three-year-old mechanic Emmanuel Cole appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on a charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20 (1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Thursday, 11th September 2025, at Beach Road, Aberdeen, in the western area of Freetown, Cole allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use or benefit certain property entrusted to him by Sheku Kakay for safekeeping. The stolen items include three trips of granite stones, twenty trips of mud with ball stones, and three trips of sand, valued at a total of 69,500 Leones.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Dialla Wellington led prosecution witness Sheku Kakay, a contractor who recognized the defendant as his caretaker at Lumley Beach, Freetown. Kakay testified that on 11th September 2025, he visited the site where Cole was working as the caretaker and discovered several items were missing, including the granite stones, ball stones, and sand. Additionally, Kakay found that Cole had dug a large hole in the compound, mining and selling sand without permission. Kakay also discovered that his diesel truck, which had been parked at the site, had been tampered with. Several parts, including cables and other spare parts, had been removed from the vehicle. Kakay estimated the total value of the missing building materials at 69,500 Leones, aside from the missing parts from the truck.
Kakay stated that when he questioned the defendant, Cole did not provide any information about the missing items. The matter was subsequently reported to the Aberdeen Police Station, where a statement was taken from Kakay and his witnesses. Police officers later visited the scene, taking photographs of the damage.
In his defense, the accused denied the allegations.
The defendant was cross-examined by his own counsel.
Magistrate Fornah refused to grant bail and remanded Cole to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 17th October 2025.