By: Audrey Raymonda John
Twenty-two-year-old Osman Conteh, a mason, made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing a charge of fraudulent conversion contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(b) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Wednesday, 4th June 2025, at Black Hall Road in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused fraudulently converted to his own use two five-gallon jerry cans of cooking oil, valued at one thousand six hundred Leones (Le 1,600). The property had been entrusted to him by Isatu Turay for delivery to Fatmata.
When the charge was read and explained, the accused pleaded not guilty.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led the prosecution. The first witness, Isatu Turay, a trader and neighbour of the accused, testified that on the day in question, a customer named Fatmata purchased six gallons of cooking oil from her shop. After the payment, she instructed Osman Conteh in the presence of Fatmata to deliver the remaining oil to Fatmata and another person, Amadu Jalloh.
Later, Amadu Jalloh and Fatmata informed her that Osman was missing with the oil. She searched for him but could not find him initially. When the accused was eventually located, she confronted him about the oil, and he admitted to having sold it. The accused was then taken to Ross Road Police Station, where he was searched, and two hundred and eighty Leones (Le 280) were found in his possession, which he claimed was the money from the oil sale. This amount has been retained in police custody. Isatu Turay also made a formal statement to the police.
The accused was not legally represented but cross-examined the witness.
Magistrate Fornah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offence, and remanded the accused to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to 25th June 2025 for further proceedings.