By Fatima Kpaka
Shaobo Xu alias Jesse, a Chinese national, has been arraigned before Magistrate Marke Ngagba of Pademba Road Court No.1 on an allegation of theft by a compatriot of properties and cash worth US$170,000.
The accused is before the court for Preliminary Investigation on a count of fraudulent conversation contrary to section.
It is alleged on the police chargesheet that the accused on July 3, 2022 at Maborah, Makeni in the Bombali Shebora Chifedom in the Bombali Judicial District, with intent to defraud converted to his own use or benefit one 20ft container which contained 9600 (nine thousand six hundred) kilograms of coltan valued NLe1,884, 810 (one million eight hundred and eighty four thousand, eight hundred and ten Leones).
The accused also obtained the sum of US$ 170,000 entrusted to him by the complainant Wahgbin Chen for the purchase and shipment of 6,900 kg of coltan to China.
After the charge had been read, Deputy Superintendent of Police Isatu Gbassay Fofanah, the Prosecutor informed the court that her witness was present but could not proceed because she had not had any conference with him.
Defense Counsel L. J. Kamara applied for the accused to be admitted to bail citing section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
He said that although the accused is a Chinese national, he had reliable persons who would stand as sureties that would ensure that he presents himself in court when the accused is required to do so.
He also stated that the prosecution had not served them with any affidavit in opposition to bail.
Having heard the application of the defence, Magistrate Marke Ngagba, admitted the accused person to bail in sum of Le (New) 2,000, 000 with one surety in like sum.
The surety should be a resident of Freetown, and should be employed and should provide a title deed of property not less Le (New) 1, 000,000.
Magistrate Marke Ngagba further stated that the bail should be approved by the Deputy Master and Registrar. The matter was adjourned to October 24, 2022.