By Mamajah Jalloh
Two youths accused of obtaining US$13,000 and NLe20,000 from a businessman under the alleged false pretext of selling three kilograms of gold have been granted bail by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown.
The accused, 25-year-old businessman Isaac Jeptha Mamatta and Ibrahim Al-Wahhab Bah, appeared before the court on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, on two counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to law, and obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the charges, the alleged offence occurred in December 2025 at Metchem, Goderich, in the Western Area of Freetown.
The prosecution alleges that the accused, together with other persons who are currently unknown, obtained US$13,000 and NLe20,000 in cash from complainant Paul Joseph Francis.
The prosecution further alleged that the money was obtained on the representation that the accused would sell Francis three kilograms of gold and arrange for the gold to be shipped to Dubai, despite allegedly knowing that the representation was false.
During cross-examination, defence counsel H. Cham questioned the prosecution’s evidence after a police witness reportedly admitted that no receipt, written agreement or gold was recovered in connection with the alleged transaction.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken, as the matter is before the court as committal proceedings.
Prosecutor Assistant Commissioner of Police Juan M.S. Bull informed the court that defence counsel K. Sellu is a military officer working for the government and was not supposed to represent both accused persons.
The prosecution subsequently closed its case.
Magistrate Jah granted the two accused bail and adjourned the matter to August 25, 2026, for a ruling.
