By: Audrey Raymonda John
Retired military personnel Lansana Kargbo has been brought before the court by Joseph Yamba Kamara, a civilian, who accuses Kargbo of fraudulently converting over one hundred and fifty thousand new Leones that were entrusted to him for safekeeping. Kargbo was arraigned before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 on a charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The indictment states that between January 1 and December 31, 2024, at Wilberforce in Freetown, Kargbo fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand new Leones, which had been entrusted to him by Joseph Yamba Kamara on behalf of Rugiatu Sesay, who resides in America. The money was intended for safekeeping, but Kargbo is accused of using it for his personal benefit.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken due to the significant amount of money involved.
In his testimony, Joseph Yamba Kamara explained that he is an apprentice and became acquainted with the defendant through Rugiatu Sesay. Kamara recalled that during the relevant period, Rugiatu purchased a vehicle for transportation purposes and handed it over to him. He further stated that the vehicle’s driver, Sallieu, was instructed by Rugiatu to give Kargbo a certain amount of money each week for safekeeping. The goal was to save money to purchase another vehicle for transportation. Kamara stated that he gave Kargbo seven thousand new Leones every week, which totaled one hundred and fifty thousand new Leones.
Kamara testified that despite the arrangements, Kargbo did not purchase the vehicle as intended and failed to return the money. Kamara reported the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in March 2024, but Kargbo went into hiding until his arrest in August 2024. Kamara also confirmed that he made a statement to the police during the investigation.
During cross-examination, Kargbo, who is representing himself, disputed the total amount of money involved. He claimed that the total amount given to him was only one hundred and forty-three thousand Leones, not one hundred and fifty thousand Leones.
The defendant was remanded in custody, and the case has been adjourned to October 13, 2025, for continuation.