A 27-year-old businessman, Andrew Kai O. John, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown, facing charges of fraudulent conversion under Section 30(1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the charge, the accused allegedly converted to his own use a red Mercury machine valued at Le 27,500, which had been entrusted to him by Mohamed Lappia, a military officer. The incident occurred in June 2024 at Walpole Street in the western area of Freetown.

Lappia, the prosecution’s first witness, testified that he became acquainted with the accused around the area. He explained that in June 2024, the accused approached him expressing interest in doing business together.

John reportedly asked Lappia to acquire a Mercury machine, to which Lappia responded that he had found one available for purchase. The witness further stated that he purchased the machine, which cost Le 27,500, and handed it over to the accused. They had agreed on an installment payment plan where John would pay Le 50,000 in total, with monthly installments of Le 5,000 over the course of one year.

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Lappia claimed that the accused made only one payment of Le 3,000 in September 2024. After that, John failed to make any further payments despite repeated requests.

Lappia said the accused had not returned the Mercury machine.

In response to the situation, Lappia reported the matter to the Mercury officer and the police. The case was brought before the court, where Lappia concluded his testimony.

During cross-examination by defense attorney A.N.D Musa, the accused applied for bail, but Magistrate Bangura denied the request. The magistrate cited the serious nature of the offense and labeled the accused as a flight risk. As a result, John was sent to the male correctional facility in Freetown.

The matter has been adjourned to March 12, 2025.