By Mamajah Jalloh
The prosecution has tendered exhibits in the ongoing alleged fraudulent conversion case involving Alfred Bio Junior, who appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
The accused is facing one count of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act, 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, the prosecution alleges that on 11 July 2026 at Sunny Side Night Club, Aberdeen Beach, in the Freetown Judicial District, Western Area, the accused fraudulently converted to his own use a Samsung mobile phone valued at NLe 3,500, which had been entrusted to him by Rugiatu Jalloh for safe keeping.
When the charge was read and explained to him, the accused pleaded not guilty.
Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K, leading the prosecution, called the first prosecution witness, DPC 20044 Sieh Sulaiman Sesay, attached to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Freetown West.
The witness told the court that he recognised both the accused and the complainant. He recalled that on 17 July 2026, while on duty, the accused was brought to the police station by the complainant, who reported a case of fraudulent conversion.
He said he obtained a statement from the complainant, which was tendered in court as Exhibit A1-3.
The witness further informed the court that on the same date, he and DPC 19650 Samura K.J obtained a caution statement from the accused in Krio, which he recorded in English.
According to him, after completing the statement, he read and explained it to the accused in Krio, and the accused confirmed it was true and correct by signing it in the presence of DPC 19650 Samura K.J. The statement was tendered as Exhibit B1-9.
DPC Sesay also testified that on the same day, he, PC 19315 Kamara M, the complainant and the accused went to Juba Hill after the accused claimed that his friend Mohamed had taken the phone. However, they were unable to locate Mohamed upon arrival.
He further stated that on 21 July 2026, he and DPC 19650 Samura K.J charged the accused with the offence of fraudulent conversion and obtained another caution statement from him in Krio, which was recorded in English.
The witness said the statement was read and explained to the accused in Krio, after which he admitted it was true and correct and signed it in the presence of DPC 19650 Samura K.J. The statement was tendered as Exhibit C1-3.
During cross-examination, Defence Counsel L. Ellis questioned the witness and subsequently applied for the adoption of his previous bail application.
Magistrate John Manso Fornah granted bail to the accused in the sum of NLe 5,000, with one surety who must reside in Freetown and produce a valid National Identification Card. The bail conditions are to be approved by the court.
The Magistrate also ordered that a subpoena be served on the absent complainant and adjourned the matter to 26 August 2026 for further hearing.
