By: Audrey Raymonda John
All People’s Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Dr. Richard Konteh, on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, appeared before Justice Manuela Harding at the High Court in Freetown, where he testified that the sum of $8,000 was negotiated between him and the plaintiff, Marie Sesay, for the purchase of two town lots of land, including the preparation of conveyance documents and fencing.
The case stems from a writ of summons filed by Marie Sesay, who resides in the United States of America. She is seeking recovery of two town lots situated at Mamah Street, Gloucester, Freetown. The plaintiff also claims the recovery of $2,000 allegedly paid to Dr. Konteh to facilitate the erection of a perimeter fence around four town lots of land. She further claims that she paid $8,000 into Dr. Konteh’s bank account in the United States for the purchase of four town lots.
Led in evidence by his counsel, D.T.M. Gbondo Konteh, Dr. Konteh described himself as a businessman and confirmed that he and the plaintiff are relatives. He recalled making a statement to the police dated 31 October 2025, which was tendered in court as Exhibit DW1–5.
In his testimony, Dr. Konteh stated that in 2009, while visiting the United States, the plaintiff informed him that she wanted him to purchase land in Freetown on her behalf to build a house. He said he asked about the size of the land, and she indicated she wanted two town lots. He promised to look into the matter upon his return to Sierra Leone.
He further testified that the plaintiff inquired about the total cost, including conveyancing and fencing. He informed her that with $8,000, he could secure the land, prepare the conveyance, and fence the property. According to him, she did not immediately provide the funds, but he gave her his U.S. bank account details for payment when ready.
Dr. Konteh stated that upon returning to Freetown, he contacted a land agent who had previously assisted him and subsequently paid for two town lots around the Tree Planting area. However, after the plaintiff sent a relative to inspect the land, she reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the location, stating that it was not well developed and requesting land in a more built-up area.
He told the court that he owned four town lots at Mamah Street, Gloucester, which he had intended to use for constructing student hostels for Fourah Bay College. He decided, however, to sell two of the four lots to the plaintiff while reserving the remaining two for himself.
Dr. Konteh testified that he instructed his personal assistant and surveyor to re-survey and divide the four lots into two portions. He then engaged his lawyer to prepare two separate conveyance documents in October 2010. According to him, the plaintiff directed that the conveyance be sent through Abdulai Sheriff for delivery to her in the United States. He further stated that in early 2011, the plaintiff called to thank him for receiving the documents.
At this point, counsel for the plaintiff, Augustine Sengu Marrah, objected, arguing that the claim that the plaintiff thanked the defendant was not contained in the defendant’s witness statement and amounted to fresh evidence. He requested that the court expunge that portion of the testimony.
In response, defence counsel Gbondo Konteh argued that a witness cannot be expected to reproduce every detail of a prior statement verbatim and maintained that his client was testifying on matters relevant to the case.
Justice Harding ruled that the plaintiff’s counsel would have the opportunity to address the issue during cross-examination.
Continuing his testimony, Dr. Konteh stated that although he knew Hannah Turay, he did not show her the four town lots at Gloucester. He also confirmed knowing Florence Turay, who holds power of attorney in the matter, but said he never showed her the land either.
He further alleged that Florence Turay reported the matter to the Lumley Police Station, after which it was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters at the Land Grabbing Unit. He claimed that Turay later removed a fence he had erected on the land, prompting further police intervention and a site visit by both parties and their lawyers.
Dr. Konteh also stated that family members intervened and suggested he hand over the remaining two town lots to the plaintiff. He said he offered her alternative land elsewhere, but she declined.
Following his testimony, plaintiff’s counsel requested an adjournment to consult with his client on what he described as fresh issues raised during the defendant’s evidence before proceeding with cross-examination.
The matter was adjourned to 17 February 2026 for continuation.