By: Audrey Raymonda John
Lamin Darbor has made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 in Freetown on nine counts of conspiracy to defraud and obtain money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the indictment, on count one, the defendant allegedly conspired with other persons unknown on diverse dates between 14 May 2024 and 17 September 2025 at No. 19 Falcon Street, Freetown, to commit the offence of obtaining money by false pretences.
It was further alleged in counts two to nine that the defendant, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of thirty-nine thousand six hundred and fifteen New Leones (NLe39,615) from Isha Titi Kamara by falsely claiming he could facilitate her travel to Canada, knowing the representation to be false.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
During the hearing, prosecution witness PW2, Isha Titi Kamara, told the court that she had previously blocked the phone number of a man identified as “Sam,” who she said was a friend of the defendant. She stated that the defendant later contacted her and told her she had no right to block Sam’s number, as both were allegedly working together on her travel arrangements. She said she was instructed to unblock Sam and continue communication, which she did.
The witness further testified that Sam later requested US$700 from her. She said she contacted the defendant to confirm whether she should make the payment, and he advised her to proceed. She also consulted Mohamed Seiba, who reportedly advised her to wait before sending the money until he had spoken with the defendant.
She stated that Mohamed later provided her with a BNB account number, through which she sent the money.
Kamara told the court that after the payment, both Sam and the defendant blocked her number. She said she later contacted Mohamed Seiba in distress and requested a refund if the programme was no longer proceeding.
She further testified that the defendant later contacted her via WhatsApp under the name “Darbir,” assuring her of a final opportunity in the Canada visa process and promising to refund her money if the visa was not secured.
According to her, she was later instructed to travel to Guinea for biometric processing, where she paid US$50 and was issued a receipt.
She said she was informed that the next step was to receive an email directing her to collect her passport and visa in Guinea. However, upon arrival, she received a letter written in French, which was translated into English and stated that no application had been made on her behalf. Her passport was returned without any visa being issued.
Kamara told the court that she immediately informed the defendant, but he allegedly insulted her and blamed her for the outcome.
She added that the defendant later introduced an Australian visa programme, which she declined and instead demanded a refund. She said no refund was made, and the defendant subsequently disappeared for over a year and six months before being traced, arrested, and taken to Lumley Police Station, where the matter was reported and statements were obtained.
Counsel for the defendant cross-examined the witness in an effort to challenge her testimony and establish his client’s defence.
Magistrate John Manso Fornah described the matter as serious and stressed the need for proper judicial examination. He urged the prosecution to ensure the attendance of witnesses to facilitate the speedy hearing of the case.
The magistrate subsequently remanded the defendant to the Male Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to 25 May 2026.