By: Audrey Raymonda John
A businessman, Nathan Almamy Silla, has made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on two counts of fraudulent conversion and obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Sections 20(1)(iv)(a) and 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, between May 4 and July 4, 2025, in Freetown, the accused allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use the sum of US$3,000 entrusted to him by Bai Mandumoi Coomber for the purpose of purchasing a Honda Pilot vehicle.
Count two further states that on the same dates and place, the accused, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of US$300 from the complainant by falsely pretending that he would purchase a Honda Pilot vehicle, knowing the claim to be false.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken as the matter is at committal proceedings stage.
Prosecutor DPC 18235 Thoronka K.K. informed the court that he had served the defendant with a copy of his statement and indicated that the prosecution intended to take a different line of action.
The defendant acknowledged receipt of the documents, and both the complainant and the accused reportedly agreed that the alleged sum would be repaid on June 8, 2026.
Magistrate Fornah did not oppose the agreement and granted bail to the defendant. The matter was adjourned to June 8, 2026, for full repayment and further proceedings.