By: Saidu Jalloh
Samuel Marrah, a car dealer, made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on two counts of Fraudulent Conversion Contrary to Section 20 (1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916 and Obtaining Money by False Pretence Contrary to section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916 on Monday, 4th November 2024.
According to the particulars of offense on the 2nd of May 2024 at Aberdeen in the western area of the Republic of Sierra Leone, fraudulently converted to your use or benefit the sum of Thirteen Thousand United States Dollars ($ 13,000) equivalent to Three Hundred Nineteen Thousand Eight Hundred Leones (Le 319,800), being monies entrusted to you by the Complainant Ibrahim Harry Bangura in order that you may use it for the buying of vehicle knowing same to be false.
Count two further stated that on the same date and place above, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Thirteenth thousand United States dollars ($ 13,000), which is equivalent to Three Hundred Nineteen Thousand, Eight Hundred Leones ( Le 319,800) to buy a vehicle.
The representative, Patten Bah, urged Magistrate Bangura to refuse bail as the defendant will highly likely tamper with justice based on the offenses charged against him being severe.
The defendant, F Bayoh, applied for bail pursuant to section 32 of the criminal procedure as he is a Sierra Leonean and a reputable businessman. Bayoh noted that he is a family man and that this court is a court of justice. He added that the defendant has reliable sureties who are ready to arraign themselves whenever called upon.
The complainant, Ibrahim Harry Bangura, confirmed that he knows the defendant. He went on to say that he saw one Four G Runner in Samuel’s hands and met him at his residence in Aberdeen, where he gave him $13,000. Harry furthered that when he received the car, on Friday, they went to the bank, where he withdrew the money and gave him the balance: $3,600.
He echoed that after two weeks, the car engine had spoiled, and he called the defendant, who said the owner had traveled out of the country and given him the opportunity since he is a business partner. The complainants said he waited about two months and reported the matter to CID. Ibrahim continued that he had a witness who was present when he gave the defendant the money, and his name was Lamrana.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Bangura granted bail to the defendant in the sum of Le 300,000 with two sureties. The sureties must be property owners in the western area and must operate accounts containing not less than Le 300,000,00. The account statement must be produced duly signed and stamped by the respective banking authorities. Bail is to be approved by the master and registrar.
However, the case has been adjourned to the 14th of November, 2024, for further hearings.
