By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 2, 2026: Dr. Richard Konteh has appeared before the High Court in Freetown following a writ of summons filed by Marie Sesay, a Sierra Leonean resident in the United States, over an alleged land fraud dispute. The case, presided over by Justice Manuela A. J. Harding, concerns the recovery of a two-town plot of land situated at Mamah Street, Gloucester, in the Western Area.
According to the writ, Sesay is seeking the recovery of land and reimbursement of USD 2,000 paid to Dr. Konteh for the construction of a perimeter fence. Sesay claims she had earlier paid USD 8,000 for four town plots of land, but was later presented with a conveyance for only two plots.
During proceedings on Monday, February 2, 2026, Florence Turay, the younger sister of the plaintiff, testified that in 2010 Dr. Konteh visited Sesay in the United States and offered to help her secure land in Freetown. Turay explained that Sesay agreed to purchase four town plots at USD 2,000 each, making payments totaling USD 8,000 into Dr. Conteh’s U.S. bank account.
Turay further stated that after several delays, Dr. Konteh showed Sesay’s niece, Ann Turay, two different pieces of land—one at Tree Planting, Leicester Road, which was rejected, and another at Mamah Street, Gloucester, which was accepted. An additional USD 2,000 was later paid for fencing and conveyance documentation.
However, Turay testified that the conveyance eventually produced by Dr. Konteh covered only two plots instead of the four plots purchased. She alleged that Dr. Konteh attempted to resell the remaining two plots and later reported Sesay for trespass at the Criminal Investigation Department, denying he had sold her the land.
Reverend Allan Sesay also testified, stating that he originally sold the four plots of land to Dr. Konteh, who claimed he intended to build student hostels. Reverend Sesay revealed that Konteh’s assistant later instructed him to divide the land into two conveyances, one of which bore the name of Marie Sesay. He added that police officers later questioned him regarding the transaction.
Defense counsel cross-examined the witnesses, though Dr. Konteh himself was absent from court. The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for continuation.