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A driver has told the High Court that officers who intercepted a vehicle carrying Italian businessmen in connection with an alleged US$210,000 gold fraud case only took a small bag containing Le20 banknotes during the search.
Ibrahim Sesay, a driver attached to the complainants, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Monday in the ongoing trial of Admire Frances Bio Jalloh, 45, and Dauda Jalloh alias Alhaji Dausy, 42.
The accused are facing an 11-count charge including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, conspiracy to rob, money laundering, and tax evasion. They are accused of defrauding Italian businessmen Fanni Giuseppe and Alfio Siracusa by allegedly presenting GAN Minerals Sierra Leone Limited as a legitimate gold trading company.
Sesay told the court he was initially employed by Abdulai Bah to work for Admire Bio Jalloh and later received instructions from Buddy, a former Lebanese manager of Lagoonda Hotel, to transport the Italian businessmen to Mile 13.
According to Sesay, on the return journey, the vehicle was intercepted near the Goderich Cemetery area by individuals dressed in military uniforms, Operational Support Division (OSD) uniforms, and plainclothes. He said the officers instructed him to come out while they conducted a search.
The witness testified that during the search, officers took a small bag being carried by one of the Italians, which contained Le20 banknotes. He said this was the only item taken from the vehicle.
Sesay told the court that Buddy later arrived at the scene, after which they proceeded to Adonkia Police Station, where he was asked to provide a statement. He confirmed that his account in court was consistent with the statement he made to police the day after the alleged incident.
During cross-examination by lead defence counsel Melron Nicol-Wilson, the witness maintained his testimony.
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah adjourned the matter to 7 August 2026 for continuation of proceedings. Bail granted to both accused persons was maintained.
