By: Alimatu Kargbo
The icy grip of cross-examination tightened around a Zenith Bank operations manager, as she faced a barrage of questions in the Le 2.1 million Q-Cell fraud case, while the two accused bankers remained in the dock.
The internal officer, whose core duty is to scrutinize all cash-related matters, stood firmly in the witness box before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown. But under intense questioning, she admitted critical gaps in the bank’s oversight.
Asked if she maintained formal written financial control within the banking system, the witness confirmed, “Yes.” She further acknowledged that as operations manager, reconciliation reports were indeed submitted to her.
When pressed on whether she actually witnessed the alleged transaction involving the missing funds, the witness bluntly replied, “No.”
She was asked if she was ever part of the investigation team probing the incident, her answer was equally stark: “No.”
According to the charge sheet, between January 20 and March 17, 2025, at the Zenith Bank, Bo Branch, the duo conspired to defraud the bank of Le 2,155,898.00. The money was allegedly handed over by Q-Cell staff for deposit into the company’s account (Number 6010306485), but never arrived.
The accused face three consolidated counts: conspiracy to defraud, fraudulent conversion, and fraudulent embezzlement under the Larceny Act of 1916.
When the matter was called, both defendants were present after they were issued a bench warrant. Assistant Superintendent of Police Dialla Wellington is prosecuting the matter.
Magistrate Fornah remanded the accused to 3rd march for further trial, after his lawyer had cross-examined the witness.
