By: Audrey Raymonda John
Fifty-two-year-old businessman, Nathan Alimamy Sillah, made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on two counts of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on 29 December 2025 at 147 Circular Road, Western Area, Freetown, Sillah allegedly obtained $5,100 (USD), equivalent to Le 120,870, from Pearce Jalloh by falsely representing that he would facilitate the shipment of three motor vehicles from Maryland, USA, to Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Freetown, knowing the claim to be false.
The second count states that on 30 December 2025 at the same location, Sillah allegedly obtained $1,000 (USD), equivalent to Le 23,700, from the same complainant, again by falsely pretending he would facilitate the shipment of the vehicles, knowing the claim was untrue.
When the charges were read and explained, Sillah pleaded not guilty.
His defense counsel, G. Kutubu Esq., applied for bail on his behalf, stating that the defendant had reliable sureties. He further informed the bench that the complainant and the defendant were in the process of reaching a settlement, which could not be achieved if the defendant remained in custody. The bail application was made pursuant to Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
Magistrate Fornah granted bail to Sillah in the sum of Le 20,000 with a surety in like sum. The surety must be a senior, responsible citizen residing in Freetown with a fixed address, and must provide a valid National ID card and bank statement. Bail approval is subject to the court’s confirmation.
The matter was adjourned to 19 March 2026.