By Elizabeth Kamara
A Nigerian, Ebude Chukwu Augustine Essay, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown, on allegations of defrauding a fellow Nigerian, Destiny Mentor Nwaokoro, of forty-eight thousand United States dollars ($48,000) in a fraudulent gold transaction at the Nexus Lodge Hotel, Hill Station.
Essay is charged with two counts: Conspiracy to defraud, contrary to law, and causing money to be paid to another by means of fraud, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offense, between 1st and 19th March 2025, the accused, along with Simeon Sankoh and others still at large, conspired to defraud the complainant under the pretense of possessing two kilograms of gold bars for sale.
Led in evidence by State Prosecutor CPS Joan Bull, Inspector Ibrahim Bangura testified as the first prosecution witness (PW1). He informed the court that he recognized both the accused and the complainant. He said the matter was reported to the CID Headquarters on 19th March 2025, and he was appointed as the lead investigator.
The witness stated that on 21st March 2025, he and DPC 13821 A.A. arrested the accused at Basha, Wilkinson Road, and escorted him to CID Headquarters where a voluntary caution statement was obtained in line with Judges’ Rules. This statement was tendered in court and marked as Exhibit A1–75.
Inspector Bangura said on 26th March 2025, the accused was charged with the said offenses and the charge statement was also tendered in court.
During cross-examination by defense counsel K. Turay, the witness confirmed that the accused mentioned the names of other alleged accomplices, including Simeon Sankoh, Anthony, Alpha (an employee of the National Mineral Agency), Allieu, and David. He stated that efforts to reach them via mobile phone were unsuccessful and they remain at large.
Responding to further questions, the witness said the complainant confirmed meeting the accused and his associates in person, despite being partially blind. He also admitted that he did not visit the Nexus Lodge Hotel during the investigation, as the complainant was reportedly hospitalized due to shock following the incident.
The accused, according to Bangura, denied the allegations and claimed he did not receive any money from the complainant.
Defense counsel Turay applied for bail under Section 79(2)(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965, arguing that his client, though a Nigerian, is married to a Sierra Leonean and has credible sureties. He assured the court that the accused would not jump bail.
Prosecutor CPS Joan Bull objected to the bail application on grounds that the offense is a serious one and the accused’s address is vague.
At this stage magistrate Bangura denied the bail application and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, 15th April 2025, for continuation of cross-examination.
