By: Audrey Raymonda John
The ongoing alleged fraud case involving Alie Timbo, a 63-year-old driver, made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2. The defendant faces a charge of *Obtaining Money by False Pretenses, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, the defendant allegedly obtained a total sum of thirty-eight thousand Leones (Le 38,000) from Olu Johnson, with the intent to defraud. This occurred between March 1, 2024, and January 2025 at Hill Station, Freetown, in the western area of Sierra Leone. Timbo allegedly convinced Johnson that he would purchase timber boards for sale, knowing the information to be false.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sergeant 8811 Wilson, presented the first prosecution witness, Olu Johnson, an engineer, who identified the defendant and recalled their interaction. Johnson testified that between March 2024 and January 2025, he and the defendant engaged in a transaction regarding timber boards. Johnson claimed the defendant approached him at his home and proposed a deal to purchase timber boards.
Olu Johnson stated that the defendant first requested five hundred Leones (Le 500) for transportation costs, which Johnson provided. A few days later, the defendant informed him that he had acquired 400 boards, priced at twenty thousand Leones (Le 20,000). Johnson then sent a total of twenty-one thousand Leones (Le 21,000) through the defendant’s Orange Money line (076631194), which the defendant confirmed. The boards were eventually delivered to Freetown, but the defendant allegedly told Johnson he needed to pay an additional twelve thousand Leones (Le 12,000) for transporting the boards from Makeni.
Johnson further testified that the defendant claimed to have received six thousand Leones (Le 6,000) from his friend, Kai, to partially pay for the boards, but later refunded the amount. The defendant allegedly demanded the six thousand Leones from Johnson, which he eventually paid.
Johnson continued, stating that the defendant refused to deposit any sale proceeds into his bank account, as requested. After two weeks, the defendant claimed he had sent the money through his Orange Money line, which Johnson accepted. In June, the defendant allegedly said business was slow and suggested adding bush sticks to the deal, requesting five thousand Leones (Le 5,000) for this. Johnson agreed and paid. In January 2025, the defendant requested another three thousand Leones (Le 3,000), claiming he had a buyer for all the timber boards and sticks. However, after making this payment, Johnson never saw the defendant again, nor did he receive any of the timber boards or sticks.
Johnson revealed that the total amount the defendant had obtained from him was thirty-eight thousand Leones (Le 38,000). He later reported the matter to the Regent Police Station and provided a statement.
The defendant, Alie Timbo, was represented by A.B. Amara Esq.
Magistrate Fornah adjourned the case to October 17, 2025, with bail continuing for the accused.