By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – February 23, 2026: Tamba Mani, former branch manager of Sky Bank Limited in Makeni, has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on allegations of defrauding the bank of more than two million new Leones.
Mani faces three charges: conspiracy to defraud, larceny by servant under Section 17(1)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916, and fraudulent embezzlement and money laundering under Section 25(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2024.
According to the charge sheet, Mani conspired with unknown persons on August 14, 2025, to defraud Sky Bank Limited. It further alleges that he stole and fraudulently embezzled NLE 2,385,000 from the bank and illicitly converted the funds derived from unlawful activity.
Detective Police Constable Mohamed Lauwa, attached to the Economic Financial Department at CID Headquarters, testified in court and tendered both voluntary and charged statements from the defendant, along with documents provided by the bank.
Defence Counsel W. Gaber requested an adjournment to review the documents before cross-examining the police witness.
The presiding magistrate ordered Mani to be remanded until March 2, 2026, when the case will continue.