Two accused persons Alimamy Sesay and Mohamed Thullah both businessmen made their first appearance before Magistrate Marke Ngegba of the Pademba Road Court No.1 on three counts of charges, Conspiracy to defraud contrary to law, obtaining money by pretense contrary to section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916 and causing money to be paid to another with intent to defraud contrary to section 32(2) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

It was alleged that the accused persons on an unknown date between 10th to 17th March 2023 in Freetown conspired with unknown persons to commit a crime of obtaining money by pretense.

Count two stated that the first accused person Alimamy Sesay at Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown on the 18th March 2023 with intent to defraud obtained the sum of $30,000 with the pretext that he have 811 grams of gold dust for sale knowing to be false.

On count three at the same place and date, the second accused person Mohamed Thullah with intent to defraud unlawfully caused money to be paid by Ricardo Weka Bobuakasi to wit $30,000 to one alias pastor who purported to be selling gold, knowing the same to be false.

The charges were read and explained to the accused persons and no plea was taken on counts one and two the second accused person pleaded not guilty.

On count three the prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police Ibrahim S Mansaray told the court that his witness is absent and he seeks for a short adjournment date.

The lead Counsel Jessie M Jengo representing the accused persons applied for bail for and on behalf of the accused persons that who are Sierra Leonean residents within this jurisdiction. That they are not at flight risk nor will they interfere with prosecution witnesses or witnesses.

They have reliable sureties who are willing and ready to go into recognizance on their behalf.

He made his application under section 79 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965. Meanwhile, Magistrate Ngegba refused bail.

Both accused persons were sent to the male correctional center in Freetown matter was adjourned to the 28th of April 2023 for further hearing.