By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 37-year-old businesswoman, Jariatu Kamara, has been committed to the High Court by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 on three counts, including conspiracy to defraud and fraudulent conversion, contrary to law.
She faces one count of conspiracy to defraud and two counts of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, between 1st January and 14th March 2026, at No. 12 Station Road, off Furniture, Allen Town, Western Area, Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with Massah Massaquio, based in the United States of America, and other persons unknown, with intent to defraud Mariama Serray Koroma.
The second count states that on 1st January 2026, the accused allegedly fraudulently converted to her own use the sum of US$10,000, equivalent to Le237,000, entrusted to her by Mariama Serray Koroma for safekeeping.
The third count further states that between *7th January and 14th March 2026, at the same address, she allegedly fraudulently converted the sum of US$13,800, equivalent to Le327,062, entrusted to her by Massah Massaquio for delivery to Mariama Serray Koroma.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken as the matter was at committal proceedings.
The prosecutor, Chief Superintendent of Police Tommy B. Zizer Esq., informed the court that the defendant had been served with a copy of the case file on her first appearance and called witnesses in support of the prosecution. The case file was subsequently withdrawn for ruling.
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah stated that, after carefully reviewing the evidence contained in the file, he was satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to put the accused on trial at the High Court. He therefore committed her to stand trial at the High Court.
The accused was granted bail in the sum of Le600,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be Sierra Leonean nationals residing in Freetown and must produce valid identification cards. One surety must be employed by a reputable organization. The bail is subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.