By: Audrey Raymonda John
Two lawyers, Maurice Jenner Mohamed Sesay and John Mans, have made their first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown on charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtain property by false pretences.
According to the charge sheet, the accused are alleged to have conspired with other persons unknown between November 1 and 30, 2023, at Harding Sesay and Partners Law Firm, No. 49 Dundas Street, Freetown, with intent of defrauding.
The second count alleges that, on diverse dates between November 1 and 20, 2023, at the same address, the accused obtained three Toyota 4Runner vehicles valued at US$114,000 from Bockarie Conteh on the pretence that they would pay for the vehicles within 30 working days, knowing that the representation was false.
When the matter was mentioned, State Prosecutor Y.I. Sesay informed the court that it was the first appearance of the case. He said the prosecution had complied with Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act by serving the defence with the case file and applied for an adjournment to allow both parties adequate time to prepare for trial.
Defence counsel J.M. Jengo applied for bail on behalf of both accused persons pursuant to Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Counsel submitted that the accused reside within the court’s jurisdiction, have fixed places of abode, are gainfully employed and supervise several employees. He further argued that both men have practiced law for more than 11 years and have prosecuted numerous criminal cases before the courts.
He contended that denying bail would result in the accused being detained at the correctional centre alongside individuals they had previously prosecuted. Counsel also informed the court that the first accused person was unwell and urged the court to admit both accused to bail.
After hearing submissions from both the prosecution and the defence, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah refused the bail application and ordered that both accused persons be remanded in custody pending the testimony of the prosecution’s first witness.
The matter was adjourned to August 10, 2026, for further hearing.