By: Alimatu Kargbo
A 27-year-old laboratory technician, Ade Idriss, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on allegations of defrauding a Nigerian businessman.
The accused is facing two counts of conspiracy to defraud contrary to law and obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, between 9th and 11th February 2026 at Adonkia, Goderich, in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with other persons unknown with intent to commit a crime, to wit obtaining money by false pretences.
The charge further stated that on 11th February 2026 at No. 1 LC Drive, Adonkia, the defendant allegedly obtained the sum of thirty-eight thousand nine hundred United States dollars ($38,900), equivalent to nine hundred and twenty-one thousand, nine hundred and thirty Leones (Le921,930), from one Agwu Amos Nwanja by falsely pretending that he would facilitate the documentation process for exporting five kilograms (5kg) of gold from Sierra Leone to Dubai, knowing the claim to be false.
When the charges were read and explained in court, no plea was taken from the accused.
Prosecutor, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M.S. Bull, informed the court that the complainant was absent but that the defence had been served with the bundle of statements. She also tendered an affidavit in opposition to bail.
Defence Counsel Jessie M. Jengo Esq confirmed receipt of the documents and applied for bail on behalf of the accused. He submitted that the defendant has reliable sureties who are ready to stand on his behalf, and assured the court that the accused would not abscond or interfere with prosecution witnesses. The application was made pursuant to Section 76 subsections (2) and (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
However, Magistrate Fornah refused bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 18th March 2026.
