$48,000 Gold in Limbo

By Fatima Sesay

Ebuden Chukwu Augustine Essay, a Nigerian national, was on Monday, 7th April 2025, remanded in custody by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 for allegedly defrauding one Destiny Mentor Nwaokoro of $48,000 in a gold transaction scam. The first prosecution witness, Inspector Ibrahim Bangura, led in evidence by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan Bull, testified that the accused—along with other accomplices currently at large—defrauded the complainant at Nexus Lodge Hotel, Hill Station in Freetown. The accused allegedly pretended to possess two kilograms of gold bars for sale. Essay is facing two charges: Conspiracy to Defraud, contrary to law, and Causing Money to be Paid by Means of Fraud, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916. According to the charge sheet, between 1st and 19th March 2025, at Nexus Lodge Hotel, Hill Station, the accused conspired with Simeon Sankoh and others to commit the crime. On the same date and location, the accused reportedly caused Destiny Mentor Nwaokoro to pay $48,000 (equivalent to NLe 1,152,000) to Simeon Sankoh and another individual identified as Alpha—who falsely claimed to possess two kilograms of gold. Inspector Bangura testified that he recognized both the complainant and the accused. He recalled that on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, a fraud case was reported at CID Headquarters, and he led the investigation. Statements were obtained from the complainant and witnesses. On Friday, 21st March 2025, Inspector Bangura and DPC 13821 A.A. arrested the accused at Basha, Wilkinson Road, Freetown. He was taken to CID Headquarters, where voluntary caution statements were obtained in accordance with Judges’ Rules. These statements were tendered in court as Exhibit A1–75. On 26th March 2025, the accused was formally charged with the offenses. His charge statement was also submitted to the court. During cross-examination, defense counsel K. Turay asked whether the names mentioned by the accused during the investigation—including Simeon Sankoh, Anthony, Alpha (an employee of the National Mineral Agency), Allieu, and David—were followed up. Inspector Bangura responded that he attempted to contact them by phone but was unsuccessful, as they are currently at large. Counsel Turay also questioned whether the complainant had met the accused in person. Bangura confirmed that the complainant claimed to have met them physically, although he is partially blind. The witness further revealed that the accused denied receiving any money and maintained his innocence throughout the investigation. Although the alleged transaction occurred at Nexus Lodge Hotel, Inspector Bangura admitted he did not visit the hotel due to the complainant’s hospitalization from shock. Magistrate Bangura adjourned the matter to 15th April 2025 for continued cross-examination. Defense counsel applied for bail under Section 79(2)(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965, arguing that the accused, though Nigerian, is married to a Sierra Leonean and has local sureties. However, Prosecutor CPS Joan Bull objected to the bail application, citing the serious nature of the offense and the accused’s unclear address. Magistrate Bangura denied the bail request and ordered the accused to be remanded in custody.