By Mamajah Jalloh
Christian Paul, a farmer, was granted bail on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, by Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1, in connection with an ongoing fraud case.
Paul faces a charge of obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916. He is accused of fraudulently collecting a total of 81,000 Leones from Emmanuel Mannah, under the pretext of repairing a Mercedes Benz GL450, registration number AXI 424, between October and November 2024 at Brookfields, Freetown.
The case initially proceeded in the absence of the complainant. Defense counsel A.M. Bayoh requested bail, describing Paul as a reputable businessman with reliable sureties and no intention to flee or interfere with the proceedings. Bayoh also urged the prosecution to present their evidence promptly.
State prosecutor I.S. Mansaray submitted an affidavit during the hearing, which was challenged for not being officially filed and subsequently deemed inadmissible.
Later, the complainant appeared and testified that he initially gave the accused Le450, followed by two payments of USD 1,800 each, after Paul claimed additional funds were necessary to complete the vehicle repairs. Mannah stated he never received adequate updates and the accused could not account for the whereabouts of the vehicle.
Paul insisted the vehicle had been repaired and tested by the complainant in Jui. However, Mannah confirmed he tested the vehicle once but no further progress was made.
Magistrate Kekura granted bail to Paul in the sum of Le100,000, with two sureties residing within the court’s jurisdiction and possessing valid identification. The magistrate also urged the prosecution to expedite their case.
The trial is set to continue on June 4, 2025.
