By: Audrey Raymonda John
Amjad A. I. Nassim of Lina Construction Company made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on a charge of obtaining goods by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, sometime in February 2025 in Freetown, Western Area, the defendant, with intent to defraud, allegedly obtained building materials valued at One Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-Eight Leones (Le158,858) from Kadiatu Jalloh by falsely representing that he would pay for the goods, knowing that he had no intention of doing so.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
The prosecuting counsel, S. Taluva, informed the court about the previous bench warrant issued against the defendant.
Defence counsel, C. Kabia, told the court that the defendant had been ill, which was the reason for his absence on previous hearing dates. He presented a medical report to support his claim and applied for the bench warrant to be rescinded. Counsel further informed the court that both parties had reached an agreement for the defendant to make a payment of Le30,000 on 7th April 2026, which was confirmed by the defence.
Magistrate Fornah subsequently rescinded the bench warrant and granted the defendant bail in the sum of Le200,000 with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a senior and responsible citizen residing in Freetown with a fixed address, must be gainfully employed, and must present a valid national identity card. The bail is to be approved by the court.
The matter was adjourned to 7th April 2026 for further hearing.