By: Audrey Raymonda John
Osman Japtay has been remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown on a single charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(b) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at Lumley Street, the accused allegedly converted to his own use the sum of US$12,000, equivalent to Le288,000, which had been entrusted to him by Abdul Rahman Barrier for delivery to Mohamed Bluba Jagitay.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken as the matter is at the committal proceedings stage.
During the proceedings, Prosecution Witness DPC 17649 Brima Kargbo, along with DPC 17809 Alimamy Kamara, both attached to the Economic and Financial Crimes Unit at the CID Headquarters, Pademba Road, Freetown, testified. The witness stated that he recognized both the complainant and the defendant.
He further told the court that on 14 May 2026, while on duty, a case file was transferred to him from Kissy Police Station involving an alleged fraudulent conversion. The file reportedly contained the defendant’s voluntary caution statement, progress reports, and other investigation documents. The matter was assigned to him and Sergeant 9388 Kambai L.S. for further investigation.
He added that all relevant documents were produced and tendered in court as part of the official record.
The witness also stated that on 19 May 2026, he and the investigator formally charged the defendant with fraudulent conversion, following the same procedure used in the voluntary caution statement. The charge statement was also tendered in court.
The defendant was cross-examined during the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offence. The matter was adjourned to 9 July 2026 for further hearing.