By Alimatu Jalloh
FREETOWN – Umar Kargbo, Manager of Saboath Construction General Merchandise, appeared once again before Magistrate Brima Jah Stevens at Pademba Road Court No.1 on Monday, June 23, 2025, to answer to 52 charges involving alleged embezzlement, cheque forgery, and uttering forged documents.
Kargbo is charged with multiple offences, including Larceny by Servant, Forgery, and Uttering Forged Documents. Prosecutors allege that between 2 April and 29 November 2024, while serving as a manager, he unlawfully withdrew millions of Leones from the company’s account (No. 6010184525) at Zenith Bank on Rawdon Street.
Counts 3 to 27 relate to the alleged forgery of cheques. The prosecution claims Kargbo created fraudulent documents with face values in the millions, falsely purporting they were signed by the company’s proprietor, Cyril Kapu Jusu.
From counts 28 to 52, it is alleged that Kargbo uttered forged Zenith Bank withdrawal slips linked to various accounts, fully aware of their fraudulent nature.
Following his not-guilty plea, the complainant, Mr. Jusu, took the stand. Led in evidence by Inspector M.K. Taylor, he recounted a December 2024 visit to Zenith Bank, where he discovered significant discrepancies in both the company’s Leone and dollar accounts.
“I informed the banker that the balances were not consistent with what we expected. The banker then requested I return with official bank statements, which I did,” Jusu testified.
Magistrate Stevens adjourned the matter to 30 June 2025 for continuation of the hearing.