By: Audrey Raymonda John
Israel Ede, a Nigerian national and CEO of ICEE Marion Restaurant in Aberdeen, made another appearance before Magistrate Mamakoh Saio Kallon of Pademba Road Court No. 3 in Freetown on two charges: conspiracy to defraud, and obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at Hotel Mariam, Aberdeen, Western Area, Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with other persons unknown, with intent to defraud, to commit a crime, namely obtaining money by false pretences.
Count two further stated that on the same date and place, the defendant, with intent to defraud, allegedly obtained the sum of thirty thousand United States dollars (US$30,000), equivalent to seven hundred and eleven thousand leones (Le 711,000), from Hordt Hormuth by falsely claiming that he had two kilograms of gold bars for sale.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
The prosecutor, Inspector Mohamed Kamara, led his witnesses, after which the file was withdrawn for ruling.
Magistrate Kallon adjourned the matter to 16 February 2026 for ruling, and bail was continued for the defendant.