By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone, Samuel Marrah a car dealer on Monday, 4 November, 2024, made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No 2 on two count charges of Fraudulent Conversion Contrary to Section 20 (1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916 and Obtaining Money By False Pretence Contrary to section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence on the 2 May 2024 at Aberdeen in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone, fraudulently converted to your own use or benefit the sum of Thirteen Thousand United States Dollars ($13,000) equivalent to Three Hundred Nineteen Thousand Eight Hundred Leones (Le319, 800), being monies entrusted to you by the Complainant Ibrahim Harry Bangura in order that you may use it for the buying of vehicle knowing same to be false.
Count two further stated that on the same date and place above with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Thirteenth Thousands United state Dollars ($ 13,000) which equivalent to Three Hundred Nineteen Thousand, Eight Hundred Leones (Le 319,800) for the purpose of buying a vehicle.
The representative Patten Bah urged Magistrate Bangura to refuse bail as the defendant will highly likely tamper with justice based on the offences charged against him are serious.
The defendant F. Bayoh applied for bail pursuant section 32 of the criminal procedure as he is a sierra Leoneans and a reputable businesses man. Bayoh noted he is a family man and this court is a court of justice. He added that the defendant has reliable sureties who are ready to arraign themselves whenever called upon.
The complainant Ibrahim Harry Bangura confirmed that he knows the defendant. He went on to say that he saw one Four Runner at Samuel hands and met at his residence at Aberdeen, where he gave him the sum of USD13, 000. Harry furthered that when he received the car and on Friday they went to bank where he withdrew the money and give him the balance three thousands. He echoed that after two weeks the car engine has spoiled and he called the defendant who said the owner had travelled out of the country and give him the opportunity since he is a business partner. The complainants said he waited for about two months and reported the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department – CID. Ibrahim continued that he has witness who was present when he gave the defendant the money and his name is Lamrana.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Bangura granted bail to the defendant in the sum of Le 300,000 with two sureties in like some. The sureties must be properties owners here in the western area and must operate accounts containing not less than Le300,000,00 and account statement must be produced duly signed and stamped by the respective banking authorities. Bail is to be approved by the master and registrar
However, the case has been adjourned to the 14 of November, 2024 for further hearings.
