By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – November 3, 2025: Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 has ordered the remand of businessman Sheka Kargbo, who stands accused of defrauding a foreign investor of $17,500 in a gold scam. The defendant appeared in court on Monday, November 3, 2025, facing two counts: conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses.
According to the indictment, between July 1 and October 1, 2025, Kargbo allegedly conspired with unknown individuals in Freetown to commit fraud. He is accused of deceiving Nigerian businessman Lateef Belo Osagie by falsely claiming he had five kilograms of gold available for sale—an assertion the prosecution says he knew to be untrue.
The charges were formally read and explained to the defendant during his first court appearance, but no plea was taken.
Prosecutor Detective Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K.K requested an adjournment, citing the absence of key witnesses needed to proceed with the case.
Defense counsel S.M. Kargbo applied for bail, arguing that the defendant should be presumed innocent until proven guilty and that bail is discretionary under Sierra Leonean law. However, Magistrate Fornah denied the application, citing the seriousness of the offense and the need to ensure the integrity of the proceedings.
Kargbo was subsequently remanded to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter has been adjourned to November 7, 2025, for further hearing.