By Mamajah Jalloh
Pademba Road Court No. 2, presided over by Magistrate Santigie Bangura, heard a case on Tuesday, 12th November 2024, involving Komba Kaminty, a labourer accused of obtaining money by false pretenses in violation of Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charges stem from allegations that between February and April 2024, while in Brazil, Kaminty fraudulently obtained $5,000 (NLe 120,000) from Isatu Bangura through Mamoud Jalloh. The money was allegedly given under the false pretense of securing genuine visas and facilitating travel for Isatu Bangura, Yusuf Bangura, Fatmata Bangura, and Bai Bangura from Sierra Leone to Brazil.
In a second count, Kaminty is accused of defrauding Agnes Wotto of $2,000 (NLe 48,000) through Christian Nicol, similarly promising a genuine visa and travel arrangements from Sierra Leone to Brazil, despite knowing the claims were false.
When the charges were read, the accused pleaded not guilty. Assistant Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, representing the prosecution, requested an adjournment to secure the presence of witnesses and sought a subpoena.
Defense counsel C. Davies applied for bail under Section 79 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1916, arguing that Kaminty is a Sierra Leonean resident unlikely to interfere with witnesses.
Magistrate Bangura granted the prosecution’s adjournment request and remanded the accused to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The case is scheduled to resume on 2nd December 2024 for further proceedings.
