By Alimatu Jalloh
Sierra Leone – January 28, 2026: Sajor Bah has been arraigned before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1, Freetown, on seven counts, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, and fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, Bah allegedly conspired with persons unknown between November 1, 2024, and January 30, 2025, to obtain money by false pretences. Prosecutors further alleged that between November 26, 2024, and January 31, 2025, at Youyi Building in Freetown, the accused fraudulently obtained $10,000 (equivalent to Le 242,950) plus an additional Le 150,000, amounting to a total of Le 392,950, from complainant Umaru Napoleon Koroma. The funds were reportedly obtained under the false claim that Bah would construct a house for Koroma at Bathurst Village.
Testifying in court, Prosecution Witness Hassan Kargbo, a Police Sub-Inspector attached to the Anti-Fraud Unit at CID Headquarters, said he recognised both the complainant and the accused. He recalled that on June 3, 2025, Koroma reported the matter at CID Headquarters, where statements were obtained. At the time, Bah was absent, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant.
Kargbo testified that on December 3, 2025, he and another CID officer arrested Bah based on the warrant, which was tendered as Exhibit A. A caution statement was later obtained from the accused in Krio and recorded in English, tendered as Exhibits B1–B22.
The witness further informed the court that on December 10, 2025, CID officers visited three alleged crime scenes at Leicester Peak near Regent, Kambia, and Kabala. Investigators reportedly found uncompleted three-bedroom structures allegedly started by Bah. Photographs and reports from the visits were tendered as Exhibits C1–C3. When questioned, Bah allegedly admitted to misappropriating funds.
Additional evidence included a voluntary caution statement obtained on December 12, 2025 (Exhibits D1–D6), and a charge statement dated December 18, 2025 (Exhibits E1–E2). Receipts of payments made by the complainant were also submitted and tendered as Exhibits F1–F9.
At the close of testimony, Magistrate Jah ordered Bah remanded in custody pending ruling. The matter was adjourned to February 2, 2025.