By Joseph Momoh | D.S Reporter
A 46-year-old businessman who allegedly defrauded a man of US$5,000 under the pretext of selling a tipper truck has been granted bail by the Pademba Road Court.
Joseph Alpha Mannah was on Friday arraigned before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Court No. 1 on two counts of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
State prosecutors allege that between May 24 and 31, 2026, within the Western Area, Mannah conspired with persons unknown to defraud Edward Alpha.
On the second count, it is alleged that on June 1, 2026, at Magburaka in Tonkolili District, Mannah obtained US$5,000 — equivalent to Le120,000 — from the complainant after falsely claiming he had an “8/14” tipper truck for sale, which he knew to be false.
No plea was taken as the matter is at the committal stage.
Prosecuting officer, Inspector Kadie Taylor, informed the court that she had served the defence with copies of the case and inquiry files. Defence counsel, Joshua A. Ansumana, confirmed receipt and applied for bail pursuant to Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
Magistrate Jah granted bail in the sum of Le250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The court ordered that the sureties must be Sierra Leonean residents within the Freetown jurisdiction, with at least one gainfully employed or producing proof of business from a reputable organisation. The bail is to be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The matter was adjourned to October 13, 2026, for further proceedings.
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