SLPP Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Honorable Sengepoh-Solomon Thomas, last Friday testified against one Vandi Kon Kallon who was charged in connection with financial impropriety.

Awoko reports that the accused is before the court on three counts of conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining money by false pretence and attempt to defraud contrary to the Laws of Sierra Leone.

Police alleged that the accused on a date between 6th January 2021 and 27th January 2021, through Western Union money transfer bureau in Freetown, with intent to defraud conspired with other persons unknown to defraud Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation with the sum of $5,050.00 USD.

Police also say the accused on the same date and place obtained the said amount from the complainant on the pretence that he was Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Leader of Government Business knowing same to be false.

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Furthermore, police say the accused on Wednesday 3rd February 2021, at Radisson Blu hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown, he attempted to obtain the sum of Le3,000,000 from Dr. Demby on the pretence that he was sent by Hon. Sengepoh-Solomon Thomas, Deputy speaker of parliament knowing same to be false.

Honorable Thomas said he knows the complainant, Dr. Austin Demby and also recognized the accused person whom he came to know in the matter before the Court.

He recalled that on the 6th January 2021 and 27th January 2021, he was at parliament when he received a phone call from Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma Leader of Government Business asking him if he knew the accused but he said he doesn’t.

He added that during the phone conversation he heard a lot of noise at the background.

He continued that Hon. Nyuma further told him that the accused said he was sent by the Deputy speaker to collect money from the Minister of Health. He added that upon receipt of the information he informed Mathew Nyuma and Dr. Demby to immediately arrest the accused which they did.

Honorable Thomas said after the accused was arrested, he was later informed that the accused impersonated Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma because he doesn’t know him. He furthered that the accused was later taken to Aberdeen Police Station where he later made statement.

Honorable Thomas also told the Magistrate that he never saw or sent the accused to collect any money from the Minister of Health. He disclosed that they do face those challenges with criminals who collect money from people impersonating them.

After his testimony, the witness was cross examined by Lawyer A.B Mousa on behalf of the accused.

The prosecution has intimated the Court that they have closed their case, but defense counsel also disclosed that they will be doing a no-case submission on the next adjourned date.

Magistrate Mark Ngegba adjourned the matter to Monday 6th September 2021 for the defense to do their no-case submission. The accused is on bail.