By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 43-year-old Nigerian designer, Louisa Ukamaka Mbamba, has made another appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, facing a charge of fraudulent conversion.
The charge is brought under Section 20(1)(iv)(b) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, the alleged incident occurred between 16th June and September 2024 in Freetown. The prosecution claims that the defendant fraudulently converted to her own use several items entrusted to her by Hawa Thorlie for delivery.
The items reportedly include 45 George materials, 28 sets of women’s Aso Oke cloths, 10 sets of men’s Aso Oke cloths, 16 different-coloured Sego head ties, 10 packets of Alphabet fabric, and other assorted items, with a total value of one hundred and thirty thousand, one hundred and eighty-four Leones (NLe 130,184).
When the charge was read and explained, no plea was taken.
The prosecutor, Chief Superintendent of Police Tommy B. Zizer, informed the court that the defendant had been served with a bundle of witness statements.
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah granted bail to the defendant in the sum of NLe 250,000, with two sureties in like sum.
The court further ordered that the sureties must be Sierra Leonean residents in Freetown, and at least one must be gainfully employed or provide proof of business from a reputable organization. Bail is to be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The matter has been adjourned to 13th April 2026 for further hearing.