By Fatima Kpaka
Magistrate Isata Sellu Tucker has committed two individuals to the High Court for trial over allegations of fraudulent motorbike conversion. The rulings were delivered on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Magistrate Court in Freetown.
Keifalla Kanu’s Case
Keifalla Kanu, a 21-year-old accused, was arraigned on one count of fraudulent conversion under Section 20(1)(iv) of the Larceny Act 1916. According to police reports, on December 7, 2024, at Kaningo Malama Lumley, Freetown, Kanu allegedly converted a black Bajaj motorbike—registration number AXB 040—entrusted to him by Mohamed Koroma for commercial use. The bike is valued at NLe 27,000.
In her committal ruling, Magistrate Tucker noted that, after reviewing the testimonies of factual and formal witnesses alongside the accused’s statement to police, she was satisfied that the prosecution had provided sufficient evidence to warrant a High Court trial.
Kanu, who has appeared 23 times before the Magistrate Court since his arrest, was committed to the High Court and granted bail set at NLe 10,000, with one surety of the same amount. The surety must be a senior citizen residing in Freetown and provide proof of address and identity. Bail approval will be determined by the DAR.
Kanu has remained in detention since the case began and has no legal representation.
Mohamed Alpha’s Case
In a separate development, Mohamed Alpha was also committed to the High Court for trial on a charge of fraudulent conversion. The police allege that between January 1 and January 31, 2025, at No. 21 Regent Road, Lumley, Alpha fraudulently converted a TVS motorbike—registration number AWR 096, valued at NLe 24,000—belonging to Josely Abdul Rahman Bangura.
Despite acknowledging overwhelming evidence, Magistrate Tucker ruled that the case should proceed to the High Court. Alpha was also granted bail at NLe 10,000, subject to DAR approval.
The High Court proceedings for both accused individuals are expected to commence soon.