By: Audrey Raymonda John
Thirty-year-old Maada Joseph George, a motorbike rider, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate Medissa Massaquio of Pademba Road Court No. 6 on a charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, between May 1 and May 31, 2026, at Hennessan Street, New England Ville, in Freetown’s Western Area, George allegedly fraudulently converted a blue-and-yellow Bajaj motorbike, registration number AZR 815, valued at Le38, 000, to his own use or benefit.
The motorbike had reportedly been entrusted to him by Alice Sawyer for commercial riding or safekeeping.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken, as the matter was being dealt with under committal proceedings.
Sub-Inspector Amiza John led the prosecution’s first witness, Alice Sawyer, a trader who told the court that she knew the defendant from their community.
Sawyer testified that her husband had purchased the motorbike and given it to her. She said George later approached her and requested permission to use it for commercial riding, which she granted.
However, she alleged that after taking possession of the motorbike, George disappeared and could no longer be located.
Sawyer further told the court that she saw the defendant on May 31, 2026, and subsequently reported the matter to the New England Ville Police Station, where she made a statement.
The defendant was reportedly arrested in October 2026.
Magistrate Massaquio refused bail, citing the seriousness of the alleged offence, and remanded the defendant at the Male Correctional Facility.
The matter was adjourned to November 4, 2026, for further proceedings.
The defendant has been charged with an alleged offence and has not been convicted.