By: Audrey Raymonda John
Thirty-five-year-old Mohamed Lebbie, a driver, appeared before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8 in Freetown on charges of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20 (1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Friday, 22nd August 2025, at Pantap Water, Regent Village in the Western Area Rural District of Freetown, the accused allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use a gray and green Tecno Pop 5 mobile phone valued at Le 2,500. The phone had been entrusted to him by Amadu Kargbo for the purpose of sending a WhatsApp message.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
Prosecutor Detective Police Constable 14898 Joseph Lamin Dumbuya presented the witness statement of Muctarr, the statement of the defendant, and the complainant. All exhibits were produced and tendered in court as part of the court records in accordance with the new Criminal Procedure Act of 2024. The prosecutor then closed his case, and the file was withdrawn for ruling.
Magistrate Samura, after reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution, ruled that there was sufficient evidence to warrant the committal of the case to the High Court. He therefore committed the defendant to the High Court without bail.