By: Audrey Raymonda John
A surveyor attached to the Ministry of Lands, Musa Mansaray, has been granted bail by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.
The accused appeared before the court on private criminal summons on one count charge of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, the alleged incident occurred on diverse dates between November and December 2024 at Murray Town in the Western Area. The prosecution alleges that Mansaray obtained the sum of eighty-five thousand Leones (Le 85,000) from Alimammy Bangura by falsely claiming that he had a parcel of land for sale, knowing the claim to be untrue.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel D.D. Kamara informed the court that the defence had approached the prosecution, indicating an intention to pursue a different course of action.
Counsel for the defendant, M. Bangura, renewed and adopted a previous bail application on behalf of the accused.
Magistrate Fornah subsequently granted bail in the sum of ninety thousand Leones (Le 90,000), with one surety in like sum. The surety is required to be a responsible citizen residing in Freetown, with a fixed address and gainful employment, and must present a valid identification card. The bail is subject to court approval.
The matter has been adjourned to 15 April 2026 for further hearing.