By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 48-year-old businessman, Swaibu Kuyateh, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on a charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on diverse dates between May 2025 at Liverpool Street, Western Area, Freetown, the accused allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use or benefit certain property entrusted to him by Nicolas Amara Kamara for the purpose of sale.
The prosecution alleges that the property included one Toyota Limited 2027 vehicle valued at US$19,500 and one Hyundai vehicle valued at US$8,000, bringing the total value of the vehicles to US$26,500.
It is further alleged that after selling the vehicles, Kuyateh converted US$21,500 of the proceeds to his own use and benefit instead of accounting for the funds to the owner.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused in court, no plea was taken because the matter is before the court for committal proceedings.
Prosecuting the matter, Sergeant 8811 Florence M. Wilson informed the court that the prosecution had served the accused with copies of the case file and the preliminary inquiry documents.
Magistrate Fornah refused bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown pending further proceedings.
The matter was adjourned to 16 July 2026.