Crispin Kelvin Decker, a 44-year-old businessman, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No.2 on October 25, 2024.

The Accuse is facing five charges, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretenses, and causing money to be paid by false pretenses.

Between March 1 and 30, 2024, Decker allegedly defrauded Juliana Pratt and Saudiatu Janjue Brown, promising to secure Canadian visas for their children and facilitate their travel. Pratt paid $2,000 and Le78,000, while Brown paid Le12,000.

The prosecution, led by Sergeant Francess Mitchel Wilson, presented four witnesses who were cross-examined. Decker’s defense counsel, C. Kamara, filed a no-case submission, but Magistrate Bangura ruled that there was enough evidence for Decker to answer, noting his admission to receiving money, albeit not the full amounts claimed by the complainants.

The case was committed to the High Court for trial. Decker was granted bail of Le100,000, with two sureties who must be Freetown residents and recognized by local authorities.

The sureties also need to show proof of employment, with bail to be approved by the Master and Registrar.