By Fatima Kpaka
September 10, 2025: A former Card Operations Officer at Ecobank, Ishmael Hortons Jalloh, has been arraigned before the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.2 for allegedly embezzling over nine hundred thousand new Leones from the bank’s general ledger.
Jalloh made his second court appearance on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, before Magistrate John Manso Fornah, facing a single count of Larceny by Servant, contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, between September 5, 2022, and November 2024, Jalloh—while serving as a Card Operations Officer at Ecobank’s Head Office in Freetown—allegedly stole Le981,268.38. The funds were reportedly transferred into a customer account (Car Tech Account No. 6340005879) and subsequently withdrawn under his instructions.
During the proceedings, Osman David Kamara, Head of Internal Audit at Ecobank, testified that his role involves conducting independent audits and investigations, evaluating operations, risk management, corporate governance, and internal controls. He confirmed that Jalloh was formerly employed by the bank.
Prosecuting officer ASP Dalia Wellington requested an adjournment to allow for further interviews with the witness. Magistrate Fornah granted the request and adjourned the matter to September 19, 2025, for continuation.
Jalloh remains on bail as the case progresses.