By: Audrey Raymonda John
The presiding magistrate of Ross Road Court No.1, Sahr Kekura has remanded one Mohlamed Konneh a business man who was dragged before him for visa fraud.
The accused Mohamed Koneh is before the court for Preliminary Investigation on case file number C/S 665/ 23 for conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences contrary to section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
It was alleged on count one that on Thursday 19th of January 2023, as Tower Hill, in Freetown, the accused conspired together with other persons unknown to defraud complainant Osman Deen, the sum of four thousand united state dollars equivalent to (Le 122,00, 00) .
On count two, the police alleged that on that same date with intent to defraud, the accused defraud complainant the above sum with the pretext that he will facilitate traveling visa to Australia knowing same to be false.
Attached to the charge sheet was photographs taken during the transaction and copies of the agreement made by complainant and the accused.
Led in evidence by Assistant Superintendent of Police Osman Mohamed Bangura, complainant Osman Deen told the court that he got the phone number of the accused 034 304806 from one Frank which he called and the accused pick up.
He said during the conversation, the accused told him he was expecting his call. Complainant said they booked an appointment to meet at the entrance of the Criminal Investigation Department on Pademba Road.
Complainant said on arrival the accused approached him, and they went into a restaurant called cookies where they sat and the accused told him it was his brother Frank who sent him. Complainant said they proceeded to parliament where they met his friend called Hilton who serves as his witness when he was handing over the money total to four thousand united state dollars to prepare visa for his cousin.
Complainant further narrated that, after handing over the money, they took photograph and prepare a document. At the stage, the prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police Osman Mohamed Bangura seeks for a date in order for him to have proper conference with his witness.
Defence counsel A Conteh applied for bail for and on behalf of the accused persons.
Among other things defense counsel submitted that his client is not a flight risk and if granted bail will not interfere with the prosecution evidence.
When questioned if there is an affidavit in support to objecting to bail, the prosecution responded in the negative and further stated that the Bench should consider the quantum of money involved.
Having heard from both side magistrate Sahr Kekura said if the accused is put on bail, he will used it as flight risk as his address was not proper.
He adjourned the matter to Monday 3rd April 2023 and ordered the accused to be remanded at the male correctional facility.