By Mamajah Jalloh
An officer attached to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Khalil Baba Jabbie, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of the Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on Friday, April 25, 2025, to answer to charges related to an alleged passport fraud.
Jabbie is facing two counts: conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to court documents, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Siaka Stevens Street in the Western Area of Freetown, Jabbie allegedly conspired with unknown individuals to defraud one Lawrence Julius Peters of Ninety-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred Leones (Le97,600). The accused is said to have falsely promised to secure two Sierra Leonean service passport books for individuals identified as Myra Marah and David Sam Yobondo — a claim he allegedly knew to be false.
The second count reiterates that Jabbie, with intent to defraud, obtained the same amount from Peters under the same pretext.
No plea was taken when the charges were read in court.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Kadie M. Taylor, informed the court that although her witness was present, she had not had adequate time to confer with them.
Defense Counsel applied for bail, arguing that Jabbie is a Sierra Leonean resident within the court’s jurisdiction and a serving civil servant at the Immigration Department. The lawyer assured the bench that the accused would not interfere with prosecution witnesses or abscond if granted bail. His application was made pursuant to Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
Magistrate Kekura granted bail in the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Leones (Le200,000), with two sureties in like amount. One surety must be gainfully employed in a government institution, and both must produce valid identification confirming their residential addresses within Freetown. The bail is subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday, May 7, 2025, for further hearings.
