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Two barristers accused of defrauding a businessman of three Toyota 4Runner vehicles have asked a magistrate to dismiss the case, arguing prosecutors have failed to present sufficient evidence.
Maurice Jenner Mohamed Seisay, 34, and John Mans, 35, face charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretences under the Larceny Act 1916. The alleged fraud involved vehicles valued at US$114,000.
Lead defence counsel J.M. Gengo filed a “no-case” motion during an August 2026 hearing at Pademba Road Court No. 1, arguing that several prosecution documents—including undated police statements—are legally inadmissible and should not influence the court’s decision.
State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay acknowledged receiving the defence motion just minutes before the session, despite rules requiring 48-hour advance service. Sesay argued that the evidence against the accused remains robust enough to proceed.
Prosecutors allege that between November 1 and 30, 2023, the lawyers conspired with unidentified accomplices at Harding Sesay and Partners Law Firm in Freetown to mislead businessman Bockarie Conteh into transferring ownership of the luxury vehicles. The state contends that drafting agreements and managing transactions can lead to criminal liability when fraud is established.
The case has drawn public interest as the accused are both legal practitioners. The second accused, John Mans, is reportedly a cousin of the complainant, a relationship prosecutors say was exploited in the scheme.
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah denied bail for both defendants, remanding them to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The proceedings have been adjourned to August 27, 2026, for the court to evaluate the defence submission alongside the ongoing investigation.
The upcoming ruling will decide whether the case proceeds to a full trial or is dismissed.
