By: Alimatu Kargbo
Fifty two years old Nathan Alimamy Sillah, a business man, made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No.2 on two count charges, ranging from Obtaining Money by false pretenses contrary to Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916
According to the particulars of offense: on the 29th December 2025 at 147 Circular Road in the western area of Freetown, the defendant, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of five thousand one hundred united state dollars; equivalent to the sum of one hundred and twenty thousand, eight hundred and seventy Leones(120,870) from Pearce Jalloh, by falsely pretending that he would facilitate the shipment of three motor vehicles from Maryland in the United States of America to the Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay in Freetown, knowing same to be false
Count two further stated that at the above place on the 30th December 2025 the defendant, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of one thousand united states dollars; equivalent to the total sum of twenty three thousand seven hundred Leones (23,700) from Pearce Jalloh, by falsely pretending that he would facilitate the shipment of three motor vehicles from Maryland in the United States of America to the Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay in Freetown, knowing same to be false.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty
The Defense Counsel, G. Kutubu Esq. applied for bail on behalf of the defendant, stating that he has reliable sureties to stand in his recognisance, he also intimated the bench that the complainant and the defendant are about to reach a settlement, but this cannot be achieved if the defendant is in custody. He made his application pursuant to Section 76 sub 1 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
Meanwhile Magistrate Fornah granted the defendant bail in the sum of twenty thousand Leones and a surety in like sum, and the surety must be a senior responsible citizen residing in Freetown with fixed address and must produce a valid national identity card, together with his or her bank statement. Bail is to be approved by the Court Registrar. The matter was adjourned to the 19th March 2026.
