By: Audrey Raymonda John
Alfred Bio Junior has been arraigned before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on a one-count charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, the prosecution alleges that on 11 July 2026 at Sunny Side Night Club, Aberdeen Beach, within the Freetown Judicial District, Western Area, the accused fraudulently converted to his own use a Samsung mobile phone valued at NLe 3,500.
The prosecution further alleges that the mobile phone was entrusted to Alfred Bio Junior by Rugiatu Jalloh for safe keeping, but he allegedly converted it for his personal use.
When the charge was read and explained to him in court, the accused pleaded not guilty.
During the subsequent hearing, the accused was present in court, but the complainant was absent. The prosecution informed the court that the complainant was on her way and requested a short stand-down. However, the complainant failed to appear.
Defence counsel applied for bail on behalf of the accused, arguing that he is a resident within the court’s jurisdiction, has reliable sureties willing to stand on his behalf, and would not interfere with the proceedings or evade court appearances if granted bail.
The application was made pursuant to Section 76(1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
However, Magistrate John Manso Fornah refused the bail application and ordered that subpoenas be issued and served on the absent complainant and two other prosecution witnesses to compel their attendance in court.
The matter was adjourned to 29 July 2026 for further hearing.