By: Audrey Raymonda John
Businessman Mohamed Sankoh, a resident of ABT Drive, Freetown, has been granted bail in the sum of NLe200, 000 after appearing before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on allegations of fraudulent conversion and forgery.
Sankoh is charged with fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1) (IV) (b) of the Larceny Act 1916, and forgery of a document, contrary to Section 4(1) of the Forgery Act 1913.
According to the particulars of the offences before the court, it is alleged that between July 1 and July 30, 2026, in Freetown, Sankoh fraudulently converted property amounting to NLe100, 380 to his own use and benefit, with intent to defraud.
He is further alleged to have forged a document, namely a National Revenue Authority (NRA) assessment notice, purportedly issued by the NRA.
During proceedings, lead defence counsel informed the court that the defence had engaged the prosecution and the complainant with a view to resolving the matter.
Counsel told the court that the defendant was willing and prepared to pay the alleged outstanding amount to the complainant. As part of that commitment, the defence produced NLe30, 000 as part payment.
The court was informed that both the defendant and the complainant acknowledged the payment by signing in person.
Defence counsel subsequently applied for the adoption of the previous bail application, relying on the same provisions earlier cited before the court.
Following the application, Magistrate Fornah granted the defendant bail in the sum of NLe200,000, with one surety in like sum.
The court ordered that the surety must be a senior responsible citizen residing in Freetown, with a fixed address and gainfully employed by a recognized institution or business organization within Freetown.
The surety is also required to produce a valid National Identification Card and an employment ID card. The bail and surety are to be approved by the District Administrative Registrar (D.A.R.).
The matter has been adjourned to September 22, 2026, for the defence to produce its proposed payment plan.