By: Audrey Raymonda John
Ebude Chukwu Augustine Essay, a 37-year-old Nigerian, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, facing two charges: conspiracy to defraud* and causing money to be paid to another by means of fraud, both contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the police charge sheet, between March 1st and 19th, 2025, at Imatt Stanford Lodge, Hill Station in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, the accused allegedly conspired with Simeon Sankoh and others to commit fraud, intending to deceive. The charge further revealed that the accused, in the same period and location, fraudulently caused Destiny Mentor Nwaokoro to pay the sum of $48,000 (equivalent to 1,152,000 Leones) to Simeon Sankoh and Alpha, falsely claiming they had two kilograms of gold bars, knowing this information to be false.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, he did not enter a plea.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M.S. Bull led the prosecution, with Ibrahim Bangura, the prosecution witness, testifying. Bangura recalled that on March 19, 2025, a fraud case was reported at the CID HQ, where he became the lead investigator. He testified that he obtained statements from the complainant and witnesses, and later arrested the accused at Basha Restaurant on March 21, 2025. Bangura confirmed that voluntary caution statements were obtained from Essay, which were admitted into evidence as Exhibit A1-75. The accused was formally charged with conspiracy to defraud and causing money to be paid by means of fraud on March 26, 2025.
During cross-examination by Defense Counsel K. Turay, Bangura stated that the accused had mentioned several names during the investigation, including Simeon Sankoh, Anthony, Alpha (an employee of the National Mineral Agency), and Allieu and David. When asked if he had contacted these individuals, Bangura stated that he attempted to call them but was unable to reach them, adding that they are believed to be on the run. The defense also inquired if the complainant had met the accused and others physically, to which Bangura confirmed that the complainant, who is partially blind, had met them in person.
The defense argued for bail, citing Section 79(2)(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965. They highlighted that the accused had Sierra Leonean sureties and was married to a Sierra Leonean woman, assuring that he would not flee. However, Prosecutor CPS Joan Bull objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offense and concerns over the accused’s address.
Magistrate Bangura granted the accused bail in the amount of Le 1,200,000 with three sureties in like sum. The sureties must be senior citizens, residents of Freetown, gainfully employed, and property owners with proof of ownership. Additionally, they must have bank accounts with a minimum balance of Le 500,000. The bail conditions are subject to approval by the Master and Registrar.
The case has been adjourned to April 23, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.