By Mamajah Jalloh
A driver, Mohamed Conteh, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after making his first appearance before Magistrate Medisa Massaquio of Pademba Road Court No. 6 on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
He is charged with fraudulent conversion contrary to Section 20 (1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, on 10 April 2026 at Goderich Street in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly converted to his own use a green and orange Bluetooth speaker valued at Le750.00, which was entrusted to him by Ibrahim Gibo Conteh for safekeeping.
During the proceedings, Prosecutor Detective Police Constable 18240 F. Kamara led prosecution witness Ibrahim Gibo Conteh, who testified that he recognized the accused as a driver.
The witness stated that on the said date, he handed over his Bluetooth speaker to the accused for safekeeping. However, he alleged that on the following day, when he attempted to retrieve the item, the accused repeatedly avoided him and refused to return the speaker.
He further told the court that he later apprehended the accused and took him to the Eastern Police Station, where statements were obtained from both the accused and the witness.
The accused, who was not legally represented, cross-examined the witness.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Massaquio refused bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 30 April 2026 for further hearing.
