By: Audrey Raymonda John
A driver, Sheka Kargbo, has made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing two counts of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the prosecution, between 1 July and 1 October 2025, the defendant allegedly conspired with unknown persons in Freetown to obtain money by false pretenses.
On the second count, it is alleged that on 1 October 2025, at the 5th Floor of the Youyi Building, the defendant, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $17,000 (equivalent to Le 416,500) from Lateef Belo-Osagie. He allegedly claimed to have five kilograms of gold bars for sale, a representation the prosecution says he knew to be false.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken from the defendant.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Dialla Wellington, called its third witness, DPC 13846 Tamba Joseph Ngauja of the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters on Pademba Road.
During cross-examination by defense counsel S.M. Kargbo Esq., the witness testified that he obtained a statement from the complainant on 1 October 2025, which was later tendered in court as evidence.
He further stated that on 2 October 2025, he and Sergeant Sesay obtained a caution statement from Prosecution Witness Two, who was initially treated as a suspect. The statement was recorded in English after being conducted in Krio, read back to the witness, and confirmed as accurate by thumbprint. This statement was also tendered in court.
The witness confirmed that Prosecution Witness Two was investigated for the same offense and had stated that he only acted as an office assistant, having helped arrange the office used in the alleged transaction.
Following the testimony, the prosecution informed the court that it had closed its case.
Defense counsel S.M. Kargbo Esq. then indicated his intention to make a no-case submission on behalf of the defendant and requested two weeks to prepare his arguments.
Magistrate Fornah granted the request and adjourned the matter to 13 April 2026 for the no-case submission.
The defendant was remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown pending the next hearing.