By: Audrey Raymonda John
The ongoing alleged fraud case involving 41-year-old businessman Mohamed Nicol came before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Nicol is facing one count of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32 of the Larceny Act, 1916.
According to the police charge sheet, on diverse dates between January 1 and October 31, 2025, at No. 11 Alusine Street, Juba Hill, Freetown, Western Area, Nicol allegedly obtained a total sum of NLe31,100 from Victor Coker with intent to defraud.
The accused allegedly obtained the money by falsely pretending that he would secure a Canadian visa for Coker and facilitate his travel to Canada, knowing the representation to be false.
When the charge was read and explained to Nicol, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police S. Conteh, informed the court that both the complainant and Prosecution Witness Number Three were absent.
Nicol was represented by defence counsel M.A. Kamara.
Magistrate Fornah subsequently issued a bench warrant for the absent witnesses and their sureties and adjourned the matter to September 9, 2026, for further proceedings.