Business Woman Dragged to Court for Fraud
By: Bonnke Fofanah
Umu Smith, a business woman has been dragged to court for fraud by obtaining money by false pretenses and obtained huge sum of money from Isha Sesay, Mariama Bangura, Mariatu Samura in the pretext that she has cooking oil, Rice, flower, milk for sale, knowing same to be false.
Umu Smith has been charged to court on three count charges; ranging from obtaining money by false pretenses contrary to section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, on Tuesday 5th March 2024 at Benjamin Lane, in the Western Area of Freetown with intent to defraud obtained the sum of two thousand two hundred Leones (2,200) from Isha Sesay with the pretext that you have cooking oil, Rice, flower, milk for sale knowing same to be false.
Count two further stated that on the same date and place, the accused person with intent to defraud Obtained the sum of two thousand two hundred Leones(2,200) from Mariama Bangura with the pretext that she have food stuff Rice, Peanut, oil, flower foe sale knowing same to be false.
On count three, the accused person on the above date and place with intent to defraud obtained the sum of eleven thousand seven hundred Leones(Le11,700) from Mariatu Samura with the pretext that she have Rice, peanut, flower and other food items for sale knowing same to be false.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused person, she pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution witness, Detective Police Constable 19121 Alfred Forbie attached to the Criminal Investigation Department, New England Ville police station testified in court that he recognized the accused person in the dock as well as the complainant.
On 6th March 2024, he recalled whilst on duty at the said office the complainants made reports of obtaining money by false pretenses and the matter was allocated to him for investigation. He also told the court that he obtained statements from the complainants and witnesses separately.
On the 9th March 2024, he said that, the complainants arrested and brought in the accused person together with one female police officer. Upon their arrival, he further told the court that, together with Sergeant 9739 Nicole C they obtained voluntary caution statement from the accused person in krio which was recorded in English Language.
At the conclusion of the statement, DPC Alfred Forbie disclosed in court that the statement was read over and explained to the accused which she admitted it to be true and correct by afflicting her right hand thumbprint which was witness by Sergeant 9739 Nicole C, and he signed as the recorder.
The voluntary caution statement was produced and tendered in court to form part of the court records marked as exhibit A1-16.
On the 15th March 2024, together with Sergeant 9739 Nicole C they finally charged the accused person to court.
Counsel representing the accused person, A. Vandy Esq made application for bail on behalf of the accused person pursuant to section 79 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965 and Magistrate Kekura granted bail in the sum of two hundred thousand Leones with two sureties in like sum and sureties should produce valid identity card and the bail to be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar. The matter was adjourned to the 25th June 20
