By: Audrey Raymonda John
Umu Kutume Savage has made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 in Freetown on a one-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32 of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly, on 15 April 2025 at No. 2 Charlotte Street, Freetown, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Le28,500 from one Samuel Sellu by falsely claiming that she had a four-bedroom house with a parlour available for rent, knowing the representation to be false.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
During the hearing, defence counsel informed the court that discussions had been held with the prosecution and that the defence was willing to refund the complainant. Counsel further stated that they intended to begin repayment with an initial sum of Le5,000 as part-payment.
The said amount was subsequently paid in open court by the defendant’s husband, Osman Savage, who acted on her behalf. The complainant, Samuel Sellu, confirmed receipt of the payment before the court.
Defence counsel thereafter applied for the adoption of a previous bail application, relying on earlier submissions made before the court.
Magistrate John Manso Fornah granted bail to the defendant in the sum of Le30,000 with one surety in like sum. The magistrate ordered that the surety must be a responsible senior citizen residing in Freetown, with a fixed address, and must present a valid national identity card for verification and approval by the court.
The matter was adjourned until 28 May 2026 for further hearing, while the outstanding balance of Le23,500 is expected to be paid to the complainant.