By: Audrey Raymonda John
Isata Favour Benya, a 24-year-old travel agent at Findlay Travel Sierra Leone Limited, made her first court appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8 in Freetown. She is facing six counts, including one count of conspiracy to commit a crime, and five counts of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, between 1st January and 14th May 2025, at 1 Alcock Street in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with unknown persons to obtain money under false pretences.
Count Two states that Benya, with intent to defraud, obtained $1,300 USD (equivalent to Le 36,540) from Zainab Bangura, falsely claiming she would provide an air ticket to China via Ethiopian Airlines.
Count Three alleges that she fraudulently obtained $1,510 USD (Le 36,540) from Isha Conteh under the same pretense.
Count Four details that she collected $1,496 USD (Le 36,000) from Mary Lynch, also claiming she would secure an air ticket to China through Ethiopian Airlines.
Count Five alleges that she obtained $1,585 USD (Le 38,200) from Isata Sesay, again under false promises of travel arrangements.
Count Six states that Benya received $1,400 USD (Le 33,600) from Sheka Hamza Bangura, promising an airline ticket to China—knowing that no such arrangement existed.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken.
Detective Police Constable 14898 Joseph Lamin Dumbuya, the lead prosecutor, requested a short adjournment to present his first witness.
In the meantime, Magistrate Samura denied bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Female Correctional Centre in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 24th June 2025.