By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, September 3, 2025: In a dramatic courtroom testimony, Nelson Bundu Bangura recounted how his goodwill gesture turned into a legal nightmare after standing as guarantor for a man accused of motorbike theft.
Appearing before Magistrate John Koroma at Pademba Road Court No. 2, Bangura explained that he had vouched for Paul Koroma, whom he described as a fellow native of Kamakwie. Led in evidence by Police Constable 1825, Bangura told the court that he had known Koroma for years and had tried to help him start a new life in Freetown.
According to Bangura, he arranged for Koroma to operate a Bajaj Boxer motorbike on a commercial basis, provided by a neighbour named John. The agreement required Koroma to make daily payments and return the bike after use. Bangura ensured the bike was fueled and handed over, but Koroma allegedly disappeared with it on the very first day.
“When he failed to return, I searched everywhere for him and the bike, but found nothing,” Bangura testified. He added that Koroma was eventually apprehended by his own brother and brought to Bangura’s residence—without the motorbike. When questioned, Koroma reportedly failed to give a satisfactory explanation.
Bangura subsequently filed a report at the New England Ville Police Station. The accused, who was not represented by a lawyer, cross-examined the witness during the proceedings.
Magistrate Koroma denied bail and adjourned the matter to 11th September 11, 2025, for further hearing.
Koroma faces a charge of fraudulent conversion under Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916. He is alleged to have converted to his own use a motorbike with registration number AUR 560, entrusted to him by Bangura on 26th August 2025 at Upper Sumaila Town, Freetown.