By: Audrey Raymonda John
Three officials of the Education Secretariat, identified as Sahr Johnny, Tiva Rogers and Mohamed I. Kallon, are standing trial before Magistrate Medissa Massaquio at Pademba Road Court No. 6 on two counts of conspiracy to defraud and causing goods to be delivered by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on diverse dates between 1 November 2024 and 31 January 2025, at No. 126 Main Regent, Grafton Road, SS Camp, in the Western Area of Freetown, the three defendants allegedly conspired with intent to defraud Eric James Lakoh of the sum of NLe 2,666,000.
The second count alleged that, during the same period and at the same location, the first and second defendants, with intent to defraud, caused Eric James Lakoh to deliver 714,500 books, valued at NLe 2,666,000, to Mohamed I. Kallon at the Free Education Secretariat.
The prosecution further alleges that the first and second defendants falsely represented to Lakoh that payment would be made for the books, knowing that the representation was false.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, no plea was taken because the matter is before the court for committal proceedings.
At their previous appearance, all three defendants were granted bail, which has since been continued.
Magistrate Massaquio adjourned the matter to 9 November 2026 for further proceedings, with all three defendants remaining on bail.