By: Audrey Raymonda John
Ibrahim Mustapha Jabbie (24) and Abdul Barrie (33), both businessmen, made another court appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 4 in Freetown. They face five serious charges, including conspiracy to defraud, possession of counterfeit-related materials, and obtaining money by false pretences.
Conspiracy to defraud Between 1 January and 28 February 2025, the two accused, along with unidentified individuals, allegedly conspired to defraud Amidu Jalloh of Le 1,226,000 by falsely claiming they could double the money.
Possession of counterfeit materials On 2 May 2025, at Madina, off Wilkinson Road, Freetown, the accused were allegedly found with papers resembling those used to print US dollar notes, without lawful authority.
Possession of forgery implements. The same day, the accused were found with tools believed to be used in counterfeiting, including white and black paper, a cup of ABRO spray, a kitchen knife, sponge soaked with black liquid, black polish, four syringes, two injection needles, and a bottle wrapped in silver plastic containing candles.
Obtaining money by false pretences (Le 500,000) On 22 January 2025, at the same location, the accused allegedly defrauded Amidu Jalloh of Le 500,000 by pretending they could double it.
Obtaining money by false pretences (USD 30,000). On 7 February 2025, at Rawdon Street, Freetown, they allegedly defrauded Jalloh of $30,000 USD (approx. Le 726,000) under the same pretense.
When the charges were read in court, no plea was taken from the accused.
Prosecution witness Amidu Jalloh, a businessman, testified under the direction of Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M. S. Bull. He recounted how the second accused (Abdul Barrie) initially contacted him to discuss a business venture. Barrie claimed he needed Le 500,000 to travel to Guinea to buy goods and promised profit sharing. Jalloh complied, but after two weeks without communication, Barrie admitted using the money to attempt printing counterfeit money, which he said failed due to a lack of chemicals.
Barrie later promised to introduce Jalloh to his “boss” to explain the process. He took him to Water Street, where Jalloh met Abdul Aziz Jalloh, who further convinced him. Despite initial hesitation, Jalloh eventually handed over $30,000 USD to the men at midnight, with the promise of receiving the “doubled” amount the next morning. However, he never heard from them again.
Suspecting fraud, Jalloh reported the matter to the police. He cooperated with officers to arrange a fake meeting to deliver more money, which led to the arrest of the second accused. A search at a Wilkinson Road residence turned up nothing of interest, but a second search at another location revealed specimens of counterfeit notes. The second accused identified Ibrahim Jabbie (first accused) at the scene, and both were taken into custody.
The accused were not legally represented during the hearing. Due to the seriousness of the charges, Magistrate Samura denied bail and adjourned the matter to 4 June 2025.