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Akim Bangura, a 53-year-old businessman, has been remanded in custody pending trial on allegations of financial impropriety.
The police allege that Bangura, between February 1 and February 28, 2023, at Pademba Road Dwarzak Farm Junction in Freetown, defrauded Zainab Kamara by falsely claiming he could secure a Canadian visa for her daughter.
Bangura allegedly obtained 20,000 Leones from Kamara under this pretense.
Bangura appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, where he faced a count of obtaining money by false pretenses. After the charges were read and explained, Bangura entered a not guilty plea.
The prosecution’s first witness, Zainab Jalloh, testified under oath, recounting her meeting with the accused at Benjamin Lane. Jalloh was introduced to Bangura by her friend Adama, who claimed Bangura had facilitated a travel program for her. Eager to secure a visa for her daughter, Jalloh paid Bangura 18,000 Leones, for which she received a receipt submitted as evidence. Additional receipts for 500 and 1,500 Leones were also admitted. Jalloh further presented a signed agreement between herself and Bangura regarding the visa arrangement.
Jalloh testified that after several weeks, she realized Bangura could not deliver the promised visa. Her repeated attempts to contact him were futile, prompting her to report the matter to the police, leading to Bangura’s arrest and arraignment.
During the court session, Bangura, who was not represented by a lawyer, cross-examined Jalloh. Additional witnesses are expected to testify as the case proceeds.
Magistrate Bangura remanded the accused in custody and adjourned the case until June 24, 2024. The trial is expected to further investigate the allegations and determine the veracity of the claims against Akim Bangura.
