By Mamajah Jalloh
In an ongoing embezzlement trial, Philip Vanjah a businessman on Wednesday, 30 October, 2024, was again arraigned before magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No 2 on one count charge of embezzlement, contrary to section 17 (1) b of the larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, that you on a date unknown between January and April, 2024 at No. 17 Saika Stevens Freetown, in western area of Sierra Leone, fraudulently embezzled the total sum of one million, two hundred and five thousand, two hundred and seventy five Leones (Le 1,205,275) received by you for and on account of Fundex Foreign Exchange Bureau Sierra Leone Limited.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused person no plea was given.
The prosecutor Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joan Bull sought for a short adjournment date to tender her exhibit.
The Defence Council A Freeman applied for bail on behalf of the accused person that he is a Sierra Leoneans and will not interfere with the prosecution witness. He added he is not a flight risk and has reliable sureties to be arraigned themselves whenever called upon. Freeman further that he is a family man
The complainant Leo Sahid Koroma who is a business man confirmed that he recognized the accused person as his Manager for Fundex Foreign Exchange Sierra Leone Limited for the western region. Sahid noted he had established business unit a capital of (le 239, 000, 00) and deposited (le 1,000, 000, 000, 00). Leo recalled that in March he requested for a meeting with the accused on three occasions, but he never shown up. He went on to say that the accused person has deleted all their conservation via on email and WhatsApp chart. Kamara testified that he later realized that moneys were withdrawn from Bloom Bank Africa Limited without his approval.
Meanwhile, magistrate Bangura refused bail on the seriousness of the offence the accused was charged for.
However, the case was adjourned to the 4 November, 2024, for further hearings.
