By: Audrey Raymonda John
Police have tendered exhibits in the ongoing alleged fraudulent conversion case involving Alfred Bio Junior, who has been arraigned before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.
The accused appeared before the court on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, and is facing one count charge of fraudulent conversion contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act, 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, the prosecution alleged that on 11th July 2026, at Sunny Side Night Club, Aberdeen Beach, in the Freetown Judicial District, Western Area, the accused fraudulently converted to his own use a Samsung mobile phone valued at NLe3,500, which had been entrusted to him by Rugiatu Jalloh for safe keeping.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution, led by Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K, called its first witness, Police Detective Constable (DPC) 20044 Sieh Sulaiman Sesay, attached to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Freetown West.
DPC Sesay told the court that he recognised both the accused and the complainant. He recalled that on 17th July 2026, while on duty, the accused was brought to the police station by the complainant, who reported a case of fraudulent conversion.
The witness said he obtained a statement from the complainant, which was tendered in court as Exhibit A1-3.
He further testified that on the same day, he and DPC 19650 Samura K.J obtained a caution statement from the accused in Krio, which he recorded in English. He said after completing the statement, he read and explained it to the accused in Krio, and the accused admitted it was true and correct by signing it. The statement was witnessed by DPC 19650 Samura K.J and tendered as Exhibit B1-9.
DPC Sesay also told the court that on the same day, he, PC 19315 Kamara M, the complainant, and the accused went to Juba Hill after the accused claimed that his friend Mohamed had taken the phone from him. However, upon arrival, they were unable to locate Mohamed.
The witness further stated that on 21st July 2026, he and DPC 19650 Samura K.J charged the accused with the offence of fraudulent conversion. He said the accused was cautioned and questioned in Krio, while his statement was recorded in English. After it was read and explained to him in Krio, the accused confirmed that the statement was true and correct by signing it. The statement was witnessed by DPC 19650 Samura K.J and tendered as Exhibit C1-3.
During cross-examination, defence counsel L. Ellis Esq. questioned the witness and applied for the adoption of the accused’s previous bail application.
Magistrate Fornah subsequently granted the accused bail in the sum of NLe5,000 with one surety. The surety must be a resident of Freetown and must produce a valid National Identification Card. The bail conditions are subject to approval by the court.
The magistrate also ordered that a subpoena be served on the absent complainant and adjourned the matter to 26th August 2026 for further hearing.