As Prosecution Cancels Evidence Against Defendants… Magistrate Kekura Discharges Accused Qnet Staff
Imam, Alhaji Osman Bangura, residing at Old Wharf, Wellington in Freetown, told the court that he paid one hundred and twelve million, five thundered thousand old leones to Qnet Staff namely, Mohamed M. Turay, Foday J. Kamara and Abessy Kalokoh, promising to facilitate he and his family members to Saudi Arabia, knowing same to be false.
The complainant made this disclosure during proceeding before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No. 1 Freetown.
The accused appeared before the court on a count of obtaining money by false pretenses contrary to 32 (I) of the Larceny Act of 1916
It was alleged by the Police that the accused, on 5th December 2022, at White Street, Brookfields, opposite APC office in Freetown, obtained one hundred and twelve million, five hundred thousand Leones, pretending that they will facilitate their travel to Saudi Arabia, knowing same to be false.
Led in evidence by Prosecuting Counsel M. Kamara, Prosecution Witness, who is also Imam Alhaji Osman Bangura, residing at Old Wharf, Wellington in Freetown, recognised the first accused as his school mate, the second accused as the manager of the alleged travel programme, and the third accused in respect of the matter. He also recalled the 5th December 2022.
Mr. Bangura explained that on Sunday morning, he received a call from the first accused, informing him about travel to Saudi Arabia meant for Imans.
PW1 continued that upon receipt of the information, he left for Freetown, adding that upon his arrival, the first accused led him to their office situated at White Street, Brookfields in Freetown.
He said at the said office, he paid five million old leones (Le5,000,000) to the second accused for the form.
Upon the payment, the witness went on, the accused assured him of traveling on 7th December and also requested for certain documents including ID Cards.
Mr Bangura told the court that he paid in total, the sum of Le112,500,000 for him and his family members to travel to Saudi Arabia.
At this juncture, Prosecuting Counsel M.M. Kamara, asked for the matter to be stood down, and upon his return, Lawyer Kamara intimated the bench that he wished to offer no evidence against the defendants.
Responding, Magistrate Kekura discharged the matter pursuant to section 94 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
