By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone — February 11, 2026: The Manager of Sky Bank Limited Makeni Branch, Tamba Mani, who is facing charges of theft and fraud, has been granted bail in the sum of two million new Leones by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1.
Mani was dragged to court by Sky Bank Sierra Leone Limited for allegedly stealing NLe2,385,000 from the bank on August 14, 2025. He faces four count charges, including:
- Conspiracy to defraud,
- Larceny by servant contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Larceny Act 1916,
- Fraudulent embezzlement contrary to Section 17(1)(b) of the Larceny Act 1916,
- Money laundering contrary to Section 25(1) of the Anti‑Money Laundering and Combating of Financing Terrorism Act 2024 (Act No. 4 of 2024).
According to the indictment, Mani, then serving as Branch Service Manager at Sky Bank Makeni, conspired with persons unknown to defraud the institution and converted the funds for his personal use.
During proceedings, Inspector Mabel Tarawalie, the prosecutor, informed the court that witnesses were absent. Defense Counsel W. Gaber renewed his bail application on behalf of Mani. Magistrate Jah subsequently granted bail, stipulating that the sureties must:
- Be Sierra Leonean residents within the jurisdiction,
- Be gainfully employed with proof of employment,
- Be above 40 years of age,
- Have bail approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The matter has been adjourned to February 16, 2026, for continuation.