Nigerian Man Sent to Pademba Road Prison For $48,000 Fraud

Ebude Chukwu Augustine, a 37-year-old Nigerian, appeared in court on Thursday, April 3, 2025, facing two serious charges: conspiracy to defraud and causing money to be paid by fraudulent means.

The case was heard by Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2.

According to the police charge sheet, between March 1 and March 19, 2025, Augustine allegedly worked with Simeon Sankoh and other unknown individuals to plan a fraud. The accusation claims that the group tricked Destiny Mentor Nwaokoro into paying $48,000 (about 1,152,000 Leones) to Sankoh and another individual named Alpha. The two men falsely claimed to have two kilograms of gold bars, which they did not possess.

When the charges were read, Augustine did not enter a plea. The prosecutor, Sergeant 8811 Wilson F.M., asked for more time to speak with the witnesses. Augustine’s defense lawyer, A. Turay, requested the case be dismissed due to a lack of prosecution.

However, Magistrate Bangura refused the request, pointing out the serious nature of the charges. As a result, Augustine was remanded in custody at the male correctional center in Freetown.

The case is scheduled to continue on April 7, 2025.