An estate agent, Hawa Samba has made her first appearance before Magistrate Peter Gogra of Pademba Road Court No.6 in Freetown, on one count charge to wit obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.According to the particulars of offence on diverse dates within 1st to 8th February, 2022 in Freetown obtained the sum of Eighteen Million Leones (NLe 18, 000,000.00) from Joseph Abiola Mabolaji on the pretext of renting him an apartment for two years, knowing to be false.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused, she pleaded not guilty. Counsel representing the complainant A. R. Gbla reassured the bench that he is ready to lead his witness.
The defence counsel, A. Kondowa in his application for bail for and on behalf of the accused, pursuant to Section 79 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965, said Hawa is a Sierra Leonean, resident within Western Area jurisdiction, at a fixed abode. Kondowa reassured the bench that accused will not jump bail, adding that the accused is employed at the House of Parliament, and has reliable and credible sureties who are willing and ready to go into recognisance.
Magistrate Gogra granted the accused bail in the sum of Ten New Thousand Leones (NLe10, 000.00) with conditions that two of the sureties should be in like sum resident in the Western Area. Sureties and should also produce valid National Identity Cards. One of the sureties should be employed bail to be approved by the bench. Matter adjourned to 14th November 2022 for further hearing.
