By Mamajah Jalloh
Saio Pessy Marah, a 30-year-old who is unemployed, made his appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 Thursday, 23rd January 2025 on two count charges.
The accused is standing trial on charges ranging from Obtaining Money by False Pretence, contrary to Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the police charge sheet, Marah, on Thursday, 28th April 2022, at old Aberdeen Road Lumley- Freetown in the Western Area in the Republic of Sierra Leone, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Five Thousand Leones (Le 5,000) from Nancy Kamara by falsely pretending that he was going to facilitate the travelling her brother, Abdulai Kamara, to Canada, knowing same to be false.
The charge sheet furthered that on the same date and place above, the accused, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Twenty-one Thousand Leones (Le 21,000) from Nancy Kamara by falsely pretending that he was going to facilitate the travelling of her brother, Abdulai Kamara, to Canada- knowing same to be false.
When the changes were read and put to the accused person, he pleaded not guilty.
The state prosecutor- 18235 Thoronka, sought for a short date to have proper interrogation with his witnesses.
The accused was represented by FA Kamara and YD Marah.
Magistrate Bangura refused bail based on the offences charged, and sent the accused on remand to the male correctional centre in Freetown.
The case has been adjourned to the 31st of January 2025 for the continuation of the trial.