 By Janet A. Sesay                        Â
Police Inspector Mohamed Munya Lahun was on Thursday February 24, 2022 sent to prison for allegedly defrauding Salamatu Sylba Forte the sum of two hundred and forty-one million, five hundred and seventy thousand leones (Le241,570,000) on the pretext that he will facilitate the travelling process for her nephew to travel to the United States of America, knowing same to be false.
The accused made his first appearance in court before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No1 and was arraigned on two counts charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences, all contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
The police allege that accused Mohamed Munya Lahun on diverse dates between September 1 and November 30, 2021 in Freetown with intent to defraud, conspired with unknown persons to defraud Salamatu Sylba Forte the sum of twenty-three thousand United States dollars ($23,000), equivalent to two hundred and forty-one million, five hundred and seventy thousand leones (Le241,570, 000).
Count two added that the accused on the same date in Freetown with intent to defraud obtained the said amount from the complainant on the pretext that he will facilitate the movement for her nephew to travel to the United States of America, knowing same to be false.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused no plea was taken. Furthermore, no legal representation was made on his behalf.
Police prosecutor, Detective Superintendent of Police Isatu Gbassah Fofanah informed the court that her witnesses were absent and therefore could not proceed with the matter.
Bail was refused and the matter was adjourned to March 3, 2022.