By Mamajah Jalloh
Two lawyers, Maurice Jenner Mohamed Sesay and John Mans, have been remanded in custody after making their first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown on Monday, 3 August 2026, over allegations of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretences.
The accused persons are facing two counts of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretences.
According to the charge sheet, the two lawyers are alleged to have conspired with other persons unknown between 1 and 30 November 2023 at Harding Sesay and Partners Law Firm, No. 49 Dundas Street, Freetown, with the intention to defraud.
The second count alleges that, on various dates between 1 and 20 November 2023 at the same address, the accused persons obtained three Toyota 4Runner vehicles valued at US$114,000 from Bockarie Conteh on the understanding that payment would be made within 30 working days, knowing the representation to be false.
When the matter was called, State Prosecutor Y.I. Sesay informed the court that the case was coming up for the first time and that the prosecution had complied with Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act by serving the defence team with the case file.
He requested an adjournment to allow both the prosecution and defence to be fully prepared before the commencement of the trial.
Defence Counsel J.M. Jengo applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons pursuant to Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Counsel submitted that both accused persons have fixed addresses within the court’s jurisdiction, are gainfully employed, and have employees under their supervision.
He further argued that the two lawyers have practised for over 11 years and have appeared in numerous criminal matters before the courts. He urged the court to grant them bail, stating that refusing bail would result in them being detained at the Correctional Centre alongside persons they had previously prosecuted.
Counsel also informed the court that the first accused was unwell and appealed for both defendants to be admitted to bail.
However, after considering arguments from both sides, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah refused the bail application and ordered that the accused persons remain in custody until the prosecution witness is heard.
The matter has been adjourned to 10 August 2026 for further hearing.
