By Alimatu Jalloh
Sierra Leone – November 26, 2025: Pius Mohamed Lumeh has been remanded at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Court No. 1 on charges of Conspiracy to Defraud and Obtaining Money by False Pretence, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, between August and September 2023 at Jui, Freetown, Lumeh allegedly conspired with unknown persons and obtained US$8,800 under false pretences. He reportedly misled the complainant by claiming he would facilitate an overseas travel programme for his son, Noah Gbetuwa, to Australia for employment opportunities, knowing the representation to be false.
When the charges were read in court, no plea was taken.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant 9939 Lahai M. led the case, supported by Detective Police Constable 17345 Alpha Janneh of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU). Janneh testified that on August 26, 2025, while on duty, the accused was arrested and handed over for investigation.
He explained that on August 27, a statement was obtained from the complainant, who presented receipts, an Australian visa, and a ticket—all tendered in court as exhibits. On August 29, Janneh and Sergeant 11742 Tarawali recorded a voluntary caution statement from the accused, which was read and explained to him in Krio. Lumeh admitted its accuracy by appending his thumbprint.
Janneh further noted that legal advice was sought and submitted, and on September 27, a formal charge statement was obtained from the accused, witnessed by Detective Sergeant Tarawali.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, Magistrate Jah ordered that Lumeh be remanded and adjourned the matter to December 3, 2025 for further proceedings.