By Mamajah Jalloh
Magistrate John Manso Fornah of the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 has issued a bench warrant against an absent defendant and his sureties after they failed to appear before the court on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The defendant is facing two counts of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, between February and April 2024, while in Brazil and through money transfers, the accused allegedly obtained US$5,000 from Isatu Bangura, through Mamoud Jalloh. Both individuals are Sierra Leoneans based in the United States of America.
The prosecution alleges that the accused falsely represented that he would provide genuine visas and facilitate the movement of Isatu Bangura’s relatives—Yusuf Bangura, Famata Bangura and Bai Bangura—from Sierra Leone to Brazil, knowing the representation to be false.
The second count alleges that during the same period, the accused obtained US$2,000 from Agnes Watto, through Christian Niccol, falsely claiming that he would provide a genuine visa and facilitate her travel from Sierra Leone to Brazil, knowing the representation to be false.
When the matter came up for hearing, the defendant and his sureties were absent from court.
As a result, Magistrate Fornah issued a bench warrant against the defendant and his sureties.
The matter was adjourned to September 14, 2026, for further hearing.
