By: Edrie Caleb John
Emmanuel George, 47, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on four counts of fraud-related charges, including conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses, fraudulent conversion, and unlawful possession.
According to the charges, on 9th August 2024, at Hill Station in the western area of Freetown, George allegedly conspired with unknown individuals to commit fraud by obtaining $8,500 from Mohamed Kamara under the false pretense of facilitating his travel to the United States.
In a second count, George is accused of fraudulently converting nine Sierra Leone passport books, valued at Le21, 600, which were entrusted to him by Kamara for delivery to one David Sengeh. The third count alleges that he unlawfully obtained an additional 21 Sierra Leone passport books.
When the charges were read, George did not enter a plea.
Prosecutor Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh informed the court that a witness was present but needed time to confer with him, requesting a short adjournment.
George’s counsel, A.M.Y. Kemokai Esq., applied for bail, asserting that George is a resident of Sierra Leone with reliable sureties willing to stand on his behalf. He assured the court that George would not interfere with witnesses or abscond. This application was made under Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
Magistrate Bangura subsequently granted bail in the amount of Le200, 000, requiring two sureties of equal value. The sureties must be responsible citizens with valid identification cards showing their addresses in Freetown and must maintain accounts with at least 50% of the total bail amount. The bail is subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar. The matter is adjourned to 30th October 2024.
