By: Audrey Raymonda John
Osman Bayoh, a 39-year-old businessman, made his first appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8, facing three charges: Conspiracy contrary to law, obtaining money by false pretenses contrary to Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act of 1916, and obtaining goods by false pretenses, also under Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The particulars of the case state that, between August 1 and September 18, 2025, in Freetown, the defendant conspired with persons unknown to commit fraud, specifically by obtaining money through false pretenses.
The second count outlines that, on the same dates, Bayoh fraudulently obtained the sum of $57,750 (equivalent to Le 1,368,675,000) from King Nicholas Ogomuo, falsely claiming to have five kilograms of gold for sale and promising to facilitate the export of the gold to Nigeria, knowing this claim to be false.
Count three details an additional fraudulent act on August 31, 2025, at Phagibs Inn Hotel, Adonkia, Goderich, in Freetown, where Bayoh allegedly obtained two iPhones—an iPhone 15 Pro Max and an iPhone 16 Pro Max—valued at Le 54,510, from King Nicholas Ogomuo. Bayoh falsely pretended that he would pay for the phones after selling the five kilograms of gold, a claim he knew to be untrue.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Aminata Korio, requested a short adjournment. Defense Counsel M.C. Nicol-Wilson Esq. renewed his earlier bail application on behalf of the defendant.
Magistrate Samura granted Bayoh bail in the sum of Le 1,368,000,000 with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must provide title deeds to property worth the same amount, either jointly or separately. The Deeds and Acknowledgement Register (DAR) is responsible for verifying the authenticity of the properties. If the DAR is unable to complete the verification, the matter will be referred to the Deputy Master and Registrar for further investigation.
Alternatively, the sureties may provide evidence of holding a bank account at a reputable financial institution, with the required sum in the account. The DAR will also verify the account balance and ensure it is frozen pending the investigation. If the DAR cannot carry out the verification, the matter will be referred to the Deputy Master and Registrar.
The case has been adjourned to November 10, 2025.