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A Nigerian national, Ebuden Chukwu Augustine Essay, has been remanded in custody at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown following a court appearance on Monday, April 7th, 2025.
Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 ordered the remand after Essay was accused of defrauding Destiny Mentor Nwaokoro of $48,000 in a purported gold transaction.
Essay faces two charges: conspiracy to defraud and causing money to be paid by means of fraud, in violation of Sierra Leonean law.
The prosecution’s first witness, Inspector Ibrahim Bangura of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), testified that the accused, along with other individuals currently at large, allegedly deceived the complainant at Nexus Lodge Hotel in Hill Station, Freetown, between March 1st and 19th, 2025. They reportedly falsely claimed to possess two kilograms of gold bars for sale, inducing Mr. Nwaokoro to pay $48,000 (equivalent to NLe 1,152,000) to Simeon Sankoh and another individual named Alpha.
Inspector Bangura, leading the investigation, told the court that he took statements from the complainant and other witnesses after the fraud was reported on March 19th. He further stated that the accused was apprehended on March 21st at Basha, Wilkinson Road, Freetown, and subsequently gave voluntary caution statements, which were presented as evidence in court. Essay was formally charged on March 26th.
During cross-examination by defense counsel K. Turay, Inspector Bangura revealed that the accused had named several alleged accomplices, including Simeon Sankoh, Anthony, Alpha (reportedly an employee of the National Mineral Agency), Allieu, and David. The inspector admitted that efforts to locate these individuals had been unsuccessful. He also confirmed that the complainant, despite being partially blind, stated he had met the accused and others in person. Inspector Bangura explained that he did not visit the Nexus Lodge Hotel where the alleged transaction occurred because the complainant was hospitalized due to shock.
Defense counsel K. Turay applied for bail, citing the accused’s marriage to a Sierra Leonean national and the presence of credible Sierra Leonean sureties, assuring the court that Essay would not abscond. However, Prosecutor CPS Joan Bull strongly opposed the bail application, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the accused’s lack of a fixed address within the country.
Magistrate Bangura ultimately denied the bail application and remanded Ebuden Chukwu Augustine Essay at the Male Correctional Center. The case has been adjourned until April 15th, 2025, for continuation, at which time the defense counsel is expected to resume cross-examination.
