By Hannah Sanusie
Paul Koroma a motorbike rider made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown on a count charge to wit, fraudulent conversion contrary to Section 20 (1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act of 1916
According to the particulars of offence, on Sunday, 17th August, 2025 at Sumaila Town in the Western Area in Freetown, fraudulently converted to his own use or benefit certain properties including one blac- colour Bajaj motorbike with registration number AUR 560 valued at Twelve Thousand Leones (Le 12,000) entrusted to him by Nelson Bundu Bangura for the purpose of safe keeping, said property of Nelson Bundu Bangura.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant no plea was taken.
Detective Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K.K. led in evidence Prosecution Witness 1, Nelson Bundu Bangura a commercial motorbike rider. He recalled the 17th August, 2025, that something transpired between himself and the defendant when the defendant met him at home and requested for assistance to get engaged into something meaningful. He recalled remembering that a neighbour by the name Mr. John has a motorbike and he was looking for a rider, and that he recommended the defendant to Mr. John and the motorbike was given to him. He recalled that the motorbike was a Bajaj Boxer model.
But according to the PW1, since the day the said motorbike was handed over to the defendant, he was not seen again. PW1 said he had an agreement with the defendant to be paying a daily ‘Master-Money” of Le 130.0). He emphasized the defendant’s disappearance went on for weeks and months without also paying to him on a daily basis the amount of Le 130.0) One Hundred and Thirty Leones they had agreed that should be paid by the defendant to PW1.
He explained that the defendant was apprehended by his younger brother and brought to him. He narrated that when he enquired from the defendant about the motorbike, he did not tell him anything substantial about the motorbike so, he went and reported the matter at the New England Police Station where statements were obtained from him and his witness.
The defendant was not at the moment represented by any legal Counsel, so he therefore cross-examined the witness himself.
Meanwhile, Magistrate John Manso Fornah refused to grant bail and sent the defendant on remand at the male correctional facility in Freetown and adjourned the matter to 9th October, 2025.