By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
Ebuden Chukwu Augustine Essay, a Nigerian national, has been remanded in custody at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown following a court appearance on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 ordered the remand after Essay was accused of defrauding Destiny Mentor Nwaokoro of $48,000 in a purported gold transaction. The defendant faces two charges: conspiracy to defraud and causing money to be paid by means of fraud, in violation of Sierra Leonean law.
During the proceedings, the prosecution’s first witness, Inspector Ibrahim Bangura of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), testified that the accused, along with other individuals currently at large, allegedly deceived the complainant at Nexus Lodge Hotel in Hill Station, Freetown, between March 1 and 19, 2025. They reportedly claimed to possess two kilograms of gold bars for sale, which induced Mr. Nwaokoro to pay $48,000 (equivalent to NLe 1,152,000) to two individuals, Simeon Sankoh and another named Alpha.
Inspector Bangura, who is leading the investigation, informed the court that he took statements from the complainant and other witnesses after the fraud was reported on March 19. He also testified that Essay was apprehended on March 21 at Basha, Wilkinson Road, Freetown. The accused provided voluntary caution statements, which were presented as evidence in court, and he was formally charged on March 26.
During cross-examination by defense counsel K. Turay, Inspector Bangura revealed that the accused had named several alleged accomplices, including Simeon Sankoh, Anthony, Alpha (reportedly an employee of the National Mineral Agency), Allieu, and David. He admitted that efforts to locate these individuals had proven unsuccessful. Furthermore, the inspector confirmed that the complainant, despite being partially blind, affirmed he had met Essay and the others in person. He explained that he did not visit the Nexus Lodge Hotel, where the alleged transaction occurred, because the complainant was hospitalized due to shock.
Defense counsel K. Turay applied for bail, citing the accused’s marriage to a Sierra Leonean national and the presence of credible Sierra Leonean sureties, assuring the court that Essay would not abscond. Prosecutor CPS Joan Bull, however, strongly opposed the bail application, stressing the seriousness of the charges and the accused’s lack of a fixed address in the country.
Magistrate Bangura ultimately denied the bail request and remanded Ebuden Chukwu Augustine Essay at the Male Correctional Center. The case has been adjourned until April 15, 2025, for continuation, at which time the defense counsel is expected to resume cross-examination.
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