By Joseph Momoh, D.S
Two employees of Amnet Filling Station in Makeni have been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on charges of conspiracy to defraud and embezzlement.
The accused are 47-year-old station manager Joe Menfallah and 26-year-old assistant manager Noah Aleem Bun Kamara. They are facing two counts: conspiracy to defraud, contrary to law, and embezzlement, contrary to Section 17(1)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
Prosecutors allege that between May 1, 2025, and February 20, 2026, the two men conspired with other persons unknown to defraud the filling station in Makeni, Bombali Shebora Chiefdom, Northern Province. The second count alleges that during the same period, they embezzled Le473,800 collected from customers on behalf of the company.
No plea was entered after the charges were read and explained, as the matter is before the court for committal proceedings.
Testifying, Detective Police Constable 17712 Mohamed Lahun of the Economic, Financial and Fraud Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, Pademba Road, said the case was reported by complainant Isatu Bah on January 23, 2026. He told the court that investigators sought assistance from the Makeni Police Division to effect arrests. On February 20, 2026, a team travelled to Makeni where the two accused were arrested and taken to Freetown.
DPC Lahun further stated that both accused made voluntary caution statements in Krio, which were recorded in English, read, and explained to them before they endorsed the statements with their right thumbprints. The statements were later tendered in court. He added that the accused were formally charged on April 17, 2026, after investigations were concluded.
At the close of proceedings, Magistrate Fornah denied bail and ordered that the accused be remanded in custody pending further hearing. The matter was adjourned to June 26, 2026.
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