A retired soldier, Lansana Kargbo, has made another appearance before Magistrate Briama Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, on a one-count charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the particulars of the offence, between January 1 and December 31, 2024, at Wilberforce in Freetown, the accused allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand new Leones (NLe 150,000) entrusted to him by Joseph Yamba Kamara on behalf of Rugiatu Sesay, a Sierra Leonean resident in the United States, for safekeeping.

When the charge was read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken due to the quantum of the money involved.

Prosecution Testimony:

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In his testimony, the complainant Joseph Yamba Kamara, an apprentice, told the court that he came to know the accused through Rugiatu Sesay, who had purchased a vehicle for transport business purposes. According to him, the vehicle’s driver, identified as Sallieu, was instructed to remit NLe 7,000 weekly to the accused for safekeeping, with the intention of later purchasing another vehicle.

Kamara said the total amount saved reached NLe 150,000, but the accused neither purchased the second vehicle nor refunded the money. As a result, the matter was reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters in March 2024, but the accused allegedly went into hiding until he was arrested in August 2024.

Defense and Court’s Decision:

During cross-examination, the accused admitted receiving money but disputed the total, claiming that it was NLe 143,000 rather than NLe 150,000 as alleged by the prosecution.

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Briama Jah ordered that the accused be remanded in custody pending further hearing.

The case was adjourned to October 13, 2025, for continuation.
Inspector M.K. Taylor is leading the prosecution