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A local youth, Osman Japtay, has been remanded in custody following his court appearance on allegations of fraudulent conversion involving $12,000.
The matter was heard before Magistrate Jah, who presided over the proceedings in Freetown. The accused faces a single count charge under Section 20(1)(iv)(b) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the prosecution, the offence occurred on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, along Lumley Street in Freetown. It is alleged that Japtay converted $12,000 United States dollars, equivalent to approximately 288,000 Leones, to his personal use. The money had reportedly been entrusted to him by Abdul Rahman Barrier for delivery to Mohamed Bluba Jagitay.
During committal proceedings held yesterday, Detective Police Constable (DPC) 17649 Brima Kargbo of the Economic and Fraud Financial Unit testified as the second prosecution witness. He told the court that the case was transferred from Kissy Police Station to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters on May 14, 2026.
DPC Kargbo presented several documents as evidence, including the accused’s voluntary caution statement and a police progress report. He further informed the court that Japtay was formally charged with the offence on May 19, 2026.
Under cross-examination, the witness maintained the accuracy of both the investigation and the documents tendered in court.
Magistrate Jah denied bail to the accused, citing the seriousness of the alleged financial crime. The matter has been adjourned to July 9, 2026, for further hearing and continuation of the proceedings.
