By: Audrey Raymonda John
Sulaiman Koroma, a mechanic, made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on a charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Friday, 24th October 2025, at Lightfoot Boston Street, Freetown, Koroma allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use property entrusted to him for safekeeping. The items in question include one vehicle battery valued at two thousand Leones (Le 2,000), two headlights, each valued at eight hundred Leones (Le 800), totaling one thousand six hundred Leones (Le 1,600), for an overall total value of three thousand six hundred Leones (Le 3,600). The property was entrusted to Koroma by Alusine Koroma for safekeeping.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor Sergeant 8811 Wilson requested a short adjournment to present the first witness and also served the defendant with the court bundle, as the defendant chose not to cross-examine any witnesses. He expressed a wish for the matter to be tried summarily, which the court granted.
The defendant was not legally represented at the time of the hearing.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Fornah issued subpoenas for the absent prosecution witnesses. The case has been adjourned to 10th November 2025 for further proceedings.