By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Andrew Danny Stephanus Lahia appeared in Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Monday, August 11, 2025, facing serious allegations related to a $92,000 visa fraud scheme. He is charged with conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretenses, forgery, and uttering a forged document, under various sections of the Forgery Act of 1913.
Testimony from the complainant’s brother, Alfred Inga Bangura, revealed that he witnessed Lahia receiving substantial sums of money under false pretenses. According to police records, the alleged offenses occurred between April 4 and April 20, 2025, in Freetown.
Lahia is accused of fraudulently promising the complainant that he could secure a U.S. visa for her relatives. On April 4, he allegedly received $21,000 (approximately Le 504,000) from the complainant, and on April 20, he took an additional $71,000 (about Le 1,704,000), all while knowing his promises were untrue.
Further charges include forging a U.S. visa with control number 20251847360005, which he falsely claimed was issued by the U.S. Embassy.
During the proceedings, Bangura testified that he saw the complainant send money to a man named Simbo to deliver to Lahia. He presented a receipt, signed by both himself and Lahia, along with a photograph as evidence of the transaction.
The prosecution requested a brief adjournment, while defense counsel AR Blah sought bail. However, Magistrate John Manso Fornah denied the bail application and adjourned the case until August 15, 2025, for further proceedings.
For further details, please contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
