By: Audrey Raymonda John
Twenty-eight-year-old Bailor Bah, a businessman, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2. He is charged with one count of obtaining goods by false pretenses, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, on Wednesday, 28th January 2025, at Kingtom Bridge in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly, with intent to defraud, obtained 195 bundles of baby diapers valued at Le 144,500 from Theresa Mariama Willie by falsely pretending that he would pay for the goods on the same day, knowing the representation to be false.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Dilia Wellington Esq. led prosecution witness number one, DPC 1507 Mohamed Sesay, attached to the Central Police Station in Freetown.
The witness recalled that on 11th March 2026, while on duty, a case of obtaining goods by false pretenses was reported by the complainant. He stated that statements were obtained from the complainant and her witness, Alpha Bah. These statements were tendered and admitted as part of the court record.
He further testified that on 13th March 2026, the defendant was arrested and brought to the station. In the presence of Sergeant 10007 Joseph Musa, a voluntary caution statement was obtained from the defendant in the Krio language and recorded in English. The statement was later read over and explained to the defendant, who allegedly admitted it to be true and correct by affixing his right thumbprint, with the witness signing as recorder.
On 15th March 2026, the witness, together with Inspector Sheku Lukulay, formally charged the defendant with the offence using the same procedure as in the voluntary caution statement. Both statements were tendered and admitted as part of the court record.
The prosecution applied for bail, but Magistrate Fornah refused the application, citing the seriousness of the offence. The defendant was consequently remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 20th May 2026.