Pademba Magistrate Court Grants Two Businessmen Bail in Alleged $130,000 Gold Fraud Case

Two businessmen accused of allegedly defrauding a complainant of more than US$130,000 in a purported gold transaction have been granted bail by the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown.

The accused, Isaac Jeptha Mamatta, 25, and Ibrahim Al-Wahhab, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah on charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences under the laws of Sierra Leone.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences occurred in December 2025 at Metchem, Goderich, in the western area of Freetown. Prosecutors allege that the two men falsely represented to the complainant, Paul Joseph Francis, that they had three kilograms of gold available for sale and that the precious metal could be exported to Dubai.

The prosecution further alleges that, based on those representations, the complainant handed over US$130,000 together with Le20,000 in cash to facilitate the transaction. It is alleged that the representations were false and were made with the intent to deceive.

Because the matter is before the court by way of preliminary investigation (committal proceedings), the charges were read and explained to the accused, but no plea was taken, in accordance with Sierra Leonean criminal procedure.

During the proceedings, Inspector Kadie M. Taylor, prosecuting on behalf of the State, informed the court that the defence had already been served with the inquiry file and that the prosecution was prepared to proceed with the matter.

After hearing submissions, Magistrate Jah granted bail to both accused in the sum of Le500,000 each. The court ordered that each defendant provide two sureties, who must present valid national identification and satisfactory proof of employment. The bail conditions are subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.

The case has been adjourned to 27 July 2026, when the court is expected to continue hearing evidence as it determines whether there is sufficient basis to commit the accused to the High Court for trial.

The allegations remain before the court, and Isaac Jeptha Mamatta and Ibrahim Al-Wahhab are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.