By Mamajah Jalloh
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – A motorbike rider, Paul Koroma, appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Wednesday, 1st October 2025, facing charges of fraudulent conversion under Section 20 (1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge, Koroma allegedly converted to his own use a black Bajaj motorbike (registration number AUR 560), valued at twelve thousand Leones (Le 12,000), which had been entrusted to him by Nelson Bundu Bangura for safekeeping. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, 17th August 2025, at Sumaila Town in the Western Area of Freetown.
When the charge was read, Koroma did not enter a plea.
During proceedings, Detective Police Constable Thoronka K.K. (18235) led the prosecution witness, Nelson Bundu Bangura, who explained that the defendant had approached him for assistance in securing a motorbike for commercial use. Bangura recommended Koroma to the bike owner, Mr. John, who then entrusted the Bajaj Boxer motorbike to Koroma.
Bangura testified that Koroma took possession of the motorbike but never returned it, despite agreements to operate it commercially at Le 130 per day. After weeks passed without news, the complainant reported the matter to the New England Police Station, where an official statement was obtained.
Koroma cross-examined the witness, but Magistrate John denied bail and remanded him to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The case was adjourned to 9th October 2025 for the continuation of the trial.
