By: Audrey Raymonda John
Twenty‑seven‑year‑old Ade Idriss, a laboratory technician, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2. He faces two counts: conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, between 9 and 11 February 2026 at Adonkia, Goderich in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with unknown persons to obtain money by false pretences.
The second count states that on 11 February 2026 at No. 1 LC Drive, Adonkia, Idriss fraudulently obtained $38,900 (equivalent to Le 921,930) from Nigerian businessman Agwu Amos Nwanja. He allegedly claimed he could facilitate the documentation required to export 5 kilograms of gold from Sierra Leone to Dubai knowing the claim to be false.
When the charges were read and explained, the accused did not enter a plea.
Prosecutor Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M. S. Bull informed the court that the complainant was absent and confirmed that the defence had been served with the case file. She also tendered an affidavit opposing bail.
Defence counsel Jessie M. Jengo Esq. acknowledged receipt of the documents and applied for bail, arguing that the accused had reliable sureties, would not jump bail, and would not interfere with witnesses. His application was made pursuant to Section 76(2) and (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024.
Magistrate Fornah, however, denied bail due to the seriousness of the allegations. The matter was adjourned to 18 March 2026.