By: Audrey Raymonda John
Two businessmen, 25-year-old Isaac Jeptha Mamatta and Ibrahim Al-Wahhab Bah, have been granted bail by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown after appearing before the court on two counts of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences.
The charges are contrary to law and Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act, 1916, respectively.
According to the particulars of offence, the accused persons allegedly committed the offences sometime in December 2025 at Metchem, Goderich, in the Western Area of Freetown.
The prosecution alleges that the two defendants, together with other persons unknown, conspired with intent to defraud and obtained the sum of US$13,000 and physical cash amounting to NLe20,000 from Paul Joseph Francis.
It is alleged that the money was obtained under the pretext of selling three kilograms of gold to Francis and arranging for its shipment to Dubai, a representation the prosecution claims the accused persons knew to be false.
The second count similarly alleges that the defendants, during the same period and at the same location, obtained the said amount from Francis through false representation regarding the sale and shipment of the gold.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons, no plea was taken because the matter is before the court as a committal proceeding.
Prosecutor Inspector Kadie M. Taylor informed the court that she had served the defence lawyer with copies of the case and inquiry files.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Jah granted bail to both defendants in the sum of NLe500,000 each, with two sureties. The sureties are required to be employed or provide proof of employment and must produce valid identification documents.
The bail conditions are to be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The matter has been adjourned to 27 July 2026 for further proceedings.