By: Audrey Raymonda John
John Sullay Kamara who was arrested on 3rd August 2023 by Detective Police Constable (DPC) 18138 Kargbo L appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No. 1 in Freetown for allegedly and conspiring with unknown persons to obtain twenty-five thousand Leones (NLe25, 000) from Denis Koroma pretending that he would facilitate his travelling to Canada knowing same to be false.
The accused person is arraigned before the court on five counts charges of conspiracy to defraud contrary to law and four counts of obtaining money by false pretenses contrary to section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1961.
It was alleged that the accused, on diverse dates between 10th September and 20th October 2022 at Rokupa in Wellington l, Freetown, conspired with unknown persons to defraud NLe25, 000 from the complainant, Denis Koroma pretending that he would facilitate his travelling to Canada knowing same to be false.
Led in evidence by Sergeant 9874 T.M.M prosecution witness (PW) 1, Denis Koroma residing at Rokupa in Wellington, Freetown said he recognized the accused as his childhood friend residing at Makamba Village in Tonklloli District and could recall on diverse dates between 10 September and 20th November 2022.
Koroma continued that on those days, he was at the aforesaid place in Freetown, when his brother, Santigie Koroma residing at Makamba Village called him and gave him information about the accused.
PW 1 said upon receiving the information, he left Freetown for Magburaka to the accused’s guardian, Pa Sorie Turay.
He said upon his arrival, Pa Turay told him that the accused wanted to talk to him.
Through mobile phone, the witness said the accused informed him that he was living in Canada, assuring that he wanted to help to him; provided if he returned to Magburaka.
Kamara added that the accused instructed him to take photographs of his Basic Certificate Examination (BECE) result including birth certificate being that he was without WASSCE result, which he did.
The witness said the accused told him that the registration process would take place at his manager’s office (Fatamata Sheriff) situated at Wan Garage in Wellington Freetown.
After few days, the witness said he received a call from the accused’s manager, Fatmata Sheriff, informing him that he had been awarded a scholarship to studies in overseas-Canada to be precise.
He said Madam Sheriff demanded NLe25, 000 him for the entire process, adding that he paid the said sum to Fatmata Sheriff via Orange Money or Mobile Money.
He said having paid the money to Fatmata Sheriff; he communicated same to the accused.
He concluded his evidence by stating the total money NLe25, 000 paid to the accused and made a statement to the police.
Magistrate Kekura denied the accused bail and remanded him at the Male Correctional Centre; Pademba Road in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 24th August 2023 for further hearing.