By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown has granted bail to 27-year-old student David Kamara, who made his first appearance before the court on one count of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1) (IV) (a) of the Larceny Act, 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, it is alleged that on Saturday, August 25, 2026, at Victoria Street, Freetown, Kamara fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit a yellow tricycle, commonly known as a kekeh, bearing registration number AZB 745 and valued at NLe 68,690.
The vehicle was allegedly entrusted to him by David Lincoln, who said it was the property of Aminata Bab Lincoln.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken, as the matter is being treated as committal proceedings.
The prosecution, led by Police Constable 18235 Thoranka K, called its first witness, David Lincoln.
Testifying before the court, Lincoln said he was not the owner of the tricycle but identified Aminata Bab Lincoln as the owner. He told the court that she had made a statement to the police concerning the matter and that the value of the tricycle was approximately NLe 68,000.
The statement was tendered in evidence and marked as Exhibit A1–A6.
Lincoln further told the court that he did not have documentary evidence of ownership because the tricycle belonged to his mother. He said he was also not present when the vehicle was handed over to the accused.
According to Lincoln, he had a good relationship with Kamara and later informed him that the tricycle had gone missing and that he was looking for it.
Defence counsel C. E. Kormah applied for bail on behalf of the accused, arguing that Kamara is an ordinary citizen residing within the jurisdiction and has reliable sureties willing and ready to stand for him.
Counsel further submitted that the accused was not a flight risk and would not interfere with prosecution witnesses.
The bail application was made pursuant to Section 76(1) (c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
Ruling on the application, Magistrate Fornah said he had considered the submissions of defence counsel and noted that there was no affidavit in opposition to bail.
He subsequently granted Kamara bail in the sum of NLe 80,000, with one surety who must be a senior, responsible citizen residing in Freetown with a fixed address. The surety is also required to produce a valid National Identification Card.
The Magistrate ordered that the bail conditions be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The matter was adjourned to September 23, 2026, for the prosecution’s second witness to testify.