By: Audrey Raymonda John
The alleged fraud case involving 44-year-old businessman Mohamed Sankoh came before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Sankoh made his first appearance on three counts of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(v)(b) of the Larceny Act, 1916; forgery of a document, contrary to Section 4(1) of the Forgery Act, 1913; and uttering a forged document, contrary to Section 6(1) and (2) of the Forgery Act, 1913.
According to the police charge sheet, between July 1 and July 30, 2026, in Freetown, Western Area, Sankoh allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit the sum of NLe100, 380, which had been entrusted to him by Alhaji Maju Bah for the purpose of clearing two 40-foot containers at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay and delivering the property to Bah.
The second count alleged that, during the same period and at the same place, Sankoh, with intent to defraud, forged a document described as a National Revenue Authority (NRA) assessment notice, purporting it to have been issued by the NRA.
The third count further alleged that Sankoh, knowing the assessment notice to be forged, knowingly and fraudulently presented and tendered it to Alhaji Maju Bah as a genuine document issued by the NRA.
When the charges were read and explained to Sankoh, no plea was taken as the matter is being heard under committal proceedings.
The prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, informed the court that the defence had been served with a copy of the case file.
Defence counsel K.B. Hindowa confirmed receipt of the file and informed the court that she did not wish to cross-examine any witnesses at that stage, stating that she intended to pursue another line of action. She subsequently requested a short adjournment.
Magistrate Fornah ordered that Sankoh be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to September 8, 2026, for further proceedings.