Mohamed Moriba Fabbah, a 32-year-old contractor, has been remanded in custody following his court appearance on charges of fraudulent conversion related to a timber deal.

The case was heard on Friday before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.

Fabbah is accused of misappropriating construction materials entrusted to him by Steven Matthew Alieu, including fifty lengths of half-inch iron rods, eighty pieces of 2×2 timber, and other assorted items. The total value of the allegedly converted property is Le 17,650. The incident reportedly took place on July 27, 2024, at Smart Farm, Upper George Brook Street in the Mountain Rural District of Freetown.

When the charge was read, Fabbah did not enter a plea. The prosecution, represented by Sergeant 3379 Bally T, requested an adjournment, citing the absence of their key witness. In light of the seriousness of the allegations, Magistrate Bangura denied bail, ordering that Fabbah be remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown.

The case has been adjourned to August 30, 2024, when the court is expected to hear witness testimony.