By Janet A. Sesay
Mohamed Kamara, aged twenty-three (23), on Friday, 11th July, 2023 made his first appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura of Pademba Road Court No. 8 on a fraudulent charge.
Mohamed Kamara was arraigned before the court on a count charge of fraudulent conversation contrary to Section 20(1) (iv)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charge sheet indicated that Mohamed Kamara on Monday, 28th April 2025 at Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit one ladies bag, two pink ladies dresses, one black slippers and other assorted items valued at Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty New Leones (NLe 6, 350) entrusted to him by Adama Kamanda for the purpose of delivery to Yainkain Kamara.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused person no plea was taken.
The Prosecution Witness, Detective Police Constable 17601 Alusine Turay attached to the Investigation Department at the Central Police Station before his testimony, recognized the accused person in the dock and also recognized the complainant in the matter.
He testified that on the 8th June, 2025, whilst on duty, the complainant arrested and brought the accused person and made a report of fraudulent conversion.
Witness Turay said the matter was allocated to him for investigation, pointing out that on the same day he obtained statement from the complainant and witnesses separately.
He furthered that together with Inspector Tity Brima he obtained voluntary caution statement from the accused person by observing the judges rules.
The voluntary caution statement of the accused was tendered in the court to form part of the court records and was marked as Exhibit A1-1.
The police witness went on that on 10th June, 2025 again together with Inspector Tity Brima, charged the accused person with the offence of fraudulent conversion. He maintained that this was again done again by using the same procedure.
The charge statements document was also tendered before the court and marked as Exhibit B1-3.
The accused was not legally represented in court and so he himself cross-examined the witness.
Magistrate Samura however refused bail for the accused and ordered that he be remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown, pending the adjourned of 17th July, 2025 for continuation.