By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone, August 17, 2026: Two barristers, Maurice Jenner Mohamed Seisay and John Mans, have appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on allegations of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretences involving three vehicles valued at US$114,000.
he accused are charged under Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916. According to the prosecution, between November 1 and 30, 2023, at Harding Sesay and Partners Law Firm, the men allegedly conspired with others to obtain three Toyota 4Runner vehicles from businessman Bockarie Conteh on the false representation that payment would be made within 30 working days.
During committal proceedings, State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay objected to the defence’s notice of intention to cross‑examine witnesses, arguing that it failed to comply with court orders and statutory requirements. Defence counsel Jessie M. Jengo countered that notices had been duly filed on August 5 and 10, and stressed that the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 does not prescribe a rigid format for such filings.
Magistrate Jah, after reviewing submissions, ruled that the defence application was properly filed, though he could not confirm whether it had been served on the prosecution. He emphasized that preliminary investigations are time‑bound and focus on the sufficiency of evidence rather than guilt. Exercising discretion, he dispensed with the alleged non‑compliance and ordered the prosecution to produce and tender witness statements and other relevant materials.
The matter was adjourned to August 20, 2026, for continuation of committal proceedings.