A 34-year-old Okada rider, Kaifala Koroma, has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for fraudulent conversion after being found guilty of misappropriating a motorbike entrusted to him for commercial use.

The sentencing took place at Pademba Road Court No. 5 in Freetown, presided over by Magistrate Mamakoh Saio Kallon.

Koroma was charged after he fraudulently converted a blue TVS motorbike, valued at 8,500 Leones, which was given to him by PC222257 Sannoh A.J. on September 22, 2024, for commercial purposes.

Instead of using the motorbike for its intended purpose, Koroma diverted it for his own benefit, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial.

During his court appearance, Koroma pleaded guilty to the charge, admitting his actions. Prosecutor Detective Police Constable Tambo informed the court that Koroma had no prior criminal record, and the defendant, who lacked legal representation, appealed to the magistrate for leniency.

Despite Koroma’s plea for a lighter sentence, Magistrate Kallon delivered a 36-month imprisonment verdict, citing the seriousness of the offense.

Koroma will serve his sentence at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown, a reminder of the consequences of breaching trust in commercial agreements.