By: Audrey Raymonda John
Forty-eight-year-old Ivan Melvin Rogers has been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on five counts, including conspiracy to defraud, causing money to be paid by false pretences, and perverting the course of justice, contrary to law.
According to the particulars of offence, on 7 March 2026 at Wilkinson Road in the Western Area of Freetown, the defendant allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to commit the offence of causing money to be paid.
Count two stated that on 17 February 2026 at the same location, the defendant, with intent to defraud, allegedly caused Terry Lee Schrubb to pay the sum of forty-six thousand three hundred and fifty United States dollars (US$46,350), equivalent to one million ninety-eight thousand four hundred and ninety-five New Leones (NLe1,098,495), to Ansu Yamba and other persons unknown by falsely claiming they had five kilograms of gold for sale, knowing the claim to be false.
Count three further stated that on 18 February 2026 at Tessy’s Lodge in Goderich, the defendant, with intent to defraud, allegedly caused Terry Lee Schrubb to pay the sum of fifty-nine thousand two hundred and fifty New Leones (NLe59,250) to Idriss and other persons unknown, falsely claiming it was a customs fee for exporting five kilograms of gold to the Republic of Guinea, knowing the claim to be false.
Count four stated that on 19 February 2026 at Youyi Building in Brookfields, the defendant allegedly caused Terry Lee Schrubb to pay one hundred and fifty United States dollars (US$150), equivalent to three thousand five hundred and fifty-five New Leones (NLe3,555), to Idriss and other persons unknown, falsely claiming it was a visa fee to travel to Guinea with five kilograms of gold, knowing the claim to be false.
Count five stated that on the same date, the defendant allegedly knowingly and wilfully gave false information to the police at Aberdeen Police Station, claiming that Terry Lee Schrubb was in possession of narcotic drugs, with intent to mislead the police and pervert the course of justice.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken as the matter is at committal proceedings.
The prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, requested a short adjournment.
Magistrate Fornah refused bail and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 22 May 2026.