The manager of Apex Bank has been detained for allegedly embezzling over NLE1 million (Le1 billion old Leone).

Foday Michael Stephen Adikalic Sesay appeared before Magistrate Mark Ngegba at Pademba Road Court No.1 for a charge of embezzlement under section 17 (1)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

The charge sheet stated that the accused fraudulently embezzled NLE1,190,926.25 from the Apex Bank Kenema branch between July 1 and August 31, 2022.

During the hearing, no plea was taken after the charges were read and explained to the accused. The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ibrahim S Mansaray, requested a short date as the witnesses were not present in court.

The accused’s counsel, Peter Daniel Kamara Esq, applied for bail on the accused’s behalf, citing his Sierra Leonean residency, reliable sureties, and willingness to cooperate with the prosecution. The application was made pursuant to section 79 (2) and (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.

However, Magistrate Ngegba denied bail and ordered the accused to be sent to the Male Correctional Center in Freetown.

The case was adjourned until May 9, 2023, for further hearing.