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The high-profile visa fraud case involving 38-year-old Andrew T. Danny Stephanus Lahai continued on Monday, 20th October 2025, before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.
Lahai faces five counts, including Conspiracy to Defraud, Obtaining Money by False Pretences, Forgery under Section 4(1) of the Forgery Act 1913, and Uttering a Forged Document under Section 6(1)(2) of the same Act.
Court records indicate that between 4th and 20th April 2025, at Satish Drive, Juba, Freetown, Lahai allegedly conspired with unknown persons to defraud complainant Isata Koroma of USD 21,000 and USD 71,000 on two separate occasions. Prosecutors said he falsely claimed he could secure American visas and facilitate travel for Koroma’s relatives to the United States.
Testifying as Prosecution Witness 3, Detective Police Constable Mohamed Lahun, attached to the Economic and Financial Crimes Unit, said the complainant filed the report on 8th July 2025.
He explained that investigators obtained statements from both parties and recovered payment receipts, agreements, and WhatsApp conversations, which were tendered as Exhibits B1-8 and C1-18.
The detective added that on 19th July 2025, he and DSI J.J. Fefegulah obtained a caution statement from the accused in Krio, later transcribed into English and signed by both parties as Exhibit F1-12. He noted that the charges were formally read and explained to Lahai on 14th July 2025.
Defense Counsel C.M.B. Amara cross-examined the witness and renewed his application for bail. However, Magistrate Fornah denied the request, citing the seriousness of the offences. Lahai was remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The case has been adjourned to 28th October 2025 for further hearing.
