Civilian Drags Retired Soldier To Court
By Fatima Sesay
Lansana Kargbo, a retired soldier, was on Wednesday 8th October 2025, sent to prison by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No1 over an alleged one hundred and fifty thousand Leones fraud.
He was dragged to court by one civilian, Joseph Yamba Kamara, on a count charge of fraudulent conversation, contrary to section 20(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The indictment states that the retired military officer, Lansana Kargbo, on a date between 1st January and 31 December 2024 at Wilberforce in Freetown, fraudulently converted to his own use and benefits, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand New Leones, entrusted to him by Joseph Yamba Kamara on behalf of Rugiatu Sesay living in America, for the purpose of safe keeping.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
In his testimony, Joseph Yamba Kamara said he is an apprentice and came to know the defendant through Rugiatu Sesay living in America. He recalled the said date, adding that between those days, Rugiatu bought a vehicle for transportation purpose and handed the vehicle to them. Joseph furthered that the driver of the vehicle is Sallieu, and that every week he was instructed by Rugiatu to give the defendant some amount of money for safe keeping, so that they will be able to buy another vehicle for transportation.
The witness said that every week he usually gives the defendant seven thousand New Leones, which has summed up to the total sum of one hundred and fifty thousand new Leones.
Witness Kamara furthered that the defendant did not buy the vehicle, neither did he return the said money to them, adding that the matter was then reported to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in March 2024, disclosing that the defendant went into hiding until August 2025 when he was arrested.
The witness, in conclusion, said that he made statement to the police.
The witness was cross-examined by the defendant himself and he claimed that the total amount of money given to him was one hundred and forty-three thousand New Leones and not one hundred and fifty thousand New Leones.
The defendant was remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to the 13 October 2025 for continuation.
