By Janet A. Sesay
Sheka Kargbo, a businessman, on Monday, 3rd November, 2025 made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No.2 for fraudulently obtaining over Seventeen Thousand United States Dollars (USD 17, 000) from complainant Lateef Belo Osagie, by falsely pretending that he has Five Kilograms of gold for sale.
Defendant Kargbo is arraigned before the court on two count charges of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to law and obtaining money by false pretenses also contrary to law.
The indictment states that defendant Kargbo between 1st July and 1st October, 2025 in Freetown, conspired with other persons unknown to commit a crime.
The indictment further states that defendant Kargbo also fraudulently obtained Seventeen Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars (USD 17,500) from complainant, Lateef Belo Osagie, by falsely pretending that he has Five Kilograms of gold for sale knowing same to be false.
After the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken because of the quantum of money involved.
The Prosecutor, Detective Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K.K. sought for an adjournment that the witnesses were absent in court.
Counsel representing the defendant, S.M. Kargbo made an application for bail on behalf of the defendant.
Magistrate Fornah refused to grant bail based on the seriousness of the offence and sent the defendant on remand at the male correctional facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 7th November, 2025 for hearing.