Court Remands Two Lawyers in US$114,000 Vehicle Fraud Case

The Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 has remanded two lawyers, Maurice Sesay and John Mans, in custody after they appeared before the court on allegations of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretences involving three vehicles valued at US$114,000.

The two accused made their first appearance on Monday, 3 August 2026, before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah, who ordered that they remain in custody after denying their bail application.

According to the charge sheet presented before the court, the accused persons allegedly conspired with unknown accomplices between 1 November and 30 November 2023 at Harding Sesay and Partners Law Firm, No. 49 Dundas Street, Freetown, to defraud Bockarie Conteh.

The prosecution alleges that the lawyers obtained three Toyota 4Runner vehicles from Conteh after allegedly assuring him that payment would be made within 30 working days. Prosecutors claim the representations made to secure the vehicles were false and intended to facilitate fraud.

During the proceedings, State Prosecutor Y.I. Sesay told the court that the prosecution had complied with Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act by supplying the defence team with the case file. He requested an adjournment to allow the prosecution to prepare for trial.

Defence counsel J.M. Jengo applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, arguing that both accused persons are residents within the court’s jurisdiction, have stable employment, and have practised law for over 11 years.

Counsel also appealed to the court to consider their professional backgrounds and personal circumstances, including claims that continued detention could cause hardship. He further informed the court that the first accused has health concerns that should be taken into account.

However, after considering submissions from both the prosecution and defence, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah refused the bail application and ordered that the two lawyers remain in custody until the prosecution presents its witnesses.

The matter has been adjourned to 10 August 2026 for further hearing.