By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 27-year-old laboratory technician, Ade Idriss, has been granted bail by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on two charges: conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, the accused allegedly conspired with other persons unknown between 9th and 11th February 2026 at Adonkia Goderich in the Western Area, Freetown, with intent to defraud.
The second count states that on 11th February 2026, at No. 1 LC Drive, Adonkia, the defendant allegedly obtained the sum of $38,900 (equivalent to Le921,930) from Agwu Amos Nwanja. He reportedly did so under the false pretense that he would facilitate the documentation process for exporting five kilograms (5kg) of gold from Sierra Leone to Dubai, knowing this claim to be false.
When the charges were read and explained in court, no plea was taken from the defendant.
Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Dialla Wellington, informed the court that the prosecution currently has no witnesses available and requested a short adjournment.
Defence counsel, Jessie M. Jengo, renewed a previous application for bail on behalf of the accused.
In his ruling, Magistrate Fornah stated that after considering submissions from both the defence and prosecution, as well as reviewing the affidavit opposing bail, he noted that the prosecution failed to present the complainant for cross-examination as requested by the defence. Consequently, bail was granted.
The accused was admitted to bail in the sum of one million new Leones, with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a senior, responsible citizen residing in Freetown, with a fixed address and gainful employment in a reputable institution. The surety is also required to provide a valid national identity card indicating a Freetown address.
Bail conditions are to be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar. The matter has been adjourned to 25th March 2026.