By Audrey Raymonda John
39-year-old Musa Jalloh and 70-year-old Mohamed Jalloh appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.1 in Freetown on charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretense, contrary to section 32 of the Larceny Act 1965.
The charges state that between the 1st and 30th of January, 2018, with intent to defraud, both accused persons conspired to obtain three hundred thousand Leones (Le300,000) from Mohamed Bangura under false pretenses, purportedly for a business establishment.
To advance the prosecution, Inspector Sellu Tap presented a witness, Vandi Bangura, who took an oath on the Holy Quran and began testifying. However, the witness struggled to testify effectively in court, prompting Magistrate Kekura to suggest rescheduling so that the prosecutor could confer properly with the witness.
In defense of the accused, their counsel applied for bail on their behalf. The defense highlighted the second accused’s advanced age and health condition, stating that he suffers from arthritis and may not be able to consistently attend court sessions. The bail application was made under sections 79 and 21 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965.
However, Lawyer C. Kamara, assisting the prosecution, opposed the application, citing the lack of formal documentation proving the second accused’s arthritis.
After considering the arguments, Magistrate Kekura granted bail to both accused persons in the amount of two hundred thousand Leones (Le200,000). They were required to provide two sureties each, who must be residents of Freetown and present recent national identity cards indicating their fixed abode.
The case was adjourned until March 12, 2024.
