By Audrey Raymonda John
In a recent court appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown, 35-year-old estate agent Martin Alimamy Kargbo was confronted with two serious charges related to fraudulent land transactions. Kargbo stands accused of Conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law and Causing Money to be paid to another by means of false pretense, both violations of section 32 (2) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charges stem from alleged actions between November 13th, 2023, and December 21st, 2023, where Kargbo, along with others, purportedly obtained the sum of One hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred Leones (Le 137,500) by falsely representing that he possessed two and a half town lots of land located at Peninsular Road Baw Baw for sale, knowing this claim to be false.
Represented by S. Elleamor and I.A Bangura, Kargbo sought bail through an application stating his Sierra Leonean residency, reliable sureties, and his commitment not to interfere with the prosecution’s witnesses or abscond. However, Magistrate Sahr Kehkura denied the bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Ibrahim S. Mansaray requested a short adjournment to prepare his witnesses for the case. Consequently, the matter has been adjourned to February 22nd for further proceedings.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance in property transactions and the legal repercussions for fraudulent practices within the real estate sector. Kargbo’s trial will continue as the court seeks to establish the truth behind the alleged deceitful land sale.
