By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – A bitter family dispute took a legal turn on Friday, May 16, 2025, when Edward Abdul Lansana, a driver, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at the Pademba Road Court No. 1, facing a charge of fraudulent conversion contrary to Section 20 (1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to court records, the accused allegedly converted several valuable items entrusted to him by his uncle, Edward Paul Blackie, for personal use between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, in Soja Town, Grafton, in the Western Area of Freetown.
The items in question include:
- One gold-colored Toyota Highlander
- One white Toyota Camry (2010 model)
- One standing air conditioner
- One yellow power saw
- Other assorted household goods
Total estimated value: Le411,100.
When the charge was read in court, no plea was taken from the accused.
Led by State Prosecutor Sergeant 9939 Mohamed Lahai, the complainant, Edward Paul Blackie — a U.S.-based prison officer — testified that he had shipped the Toyota Highlander to the accused, who was living in his house in Soldier Town. Instead of safeguarding the vehicle, the accused reportedly registered it in his own name.
Mr. Blackie also told the court that in March 2022, he shipped a Toyota Camry and other household items, including an air conditioner and power saw, at the request of the accused. However, upon returning to Sierra Leone, he discovered that both vehicles and all items were missing.
Unable to reach his nephew, Mr. Blackie instructed his eldest son to move into the property and change the locks. He later contacted the accused’s mother to trace his whereabouts, and a formal report was made to the Bo Police Station. The accused was eventually arrested on a warrant and transferred to Grafton and Ross Road Police Stations, where statements were taken.
Following testimony, Magistrate Kekura denied bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to Monday, May 19, 2025, for continuation of the trial
