Former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Hassan Lee has been remanded at the Male Correctional Center by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 after he was arraigned for obtaining money by false pretenses contrary to section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
It was alleged on the charge sheet that on a date unknown between 1st to 30th April, 2019 at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Gloucester Street in Freetown, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of US$4000 (Le43,000,000,00) from complainant Tarawallay by falsely pretending that he will facilitate his travel and five others to Australia, knowing same to be false.
Led in evidence by Sergeant Dwight Macathy, the witness Samuel Tarawallay recognized the accused person, and said that between 1st to 30th April 2019, he received an information about a scholarship program at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He said upon receiving the information he went with his friend to check at the office and on arrival, they met the accused who confirmed it to them.
The witness said after discussing with him, he told them that there is another program for Australia, while confirming that at that time the accused was the Permanent Secretary to the former Minister.
Explaining further, the witness said he enquired about the program which the accused told him cost one thousand United States Dollars.
“After deliberating on the issue, myself and my friends gave the accused four thousand United States Dollars as part payment for the Australia program,” he noted.
He said after giving him the money, he promised them to check him after three days, adding that when they went to the office, they got an information from the secretary that the accused have wreaked havoc and that the Minister is searching for him also.
The witness said when he contacted the accused through his cell phone, the accused gave him excuses.
He said he then reported the matter at Lumley police post but was later referred to the Criminal Investigation Department at Pademba Road.
During cross-examination by defense counsel, the witness said when he heard about the program he went and crosscheck with the Ministry.
“It was my aunt who escorted me and my friends to the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” he said.
The witness further stated that he was the one that collected the money from his friends and handed it over to the accused.
From the evidence adduced so far, Magistrate Sahr Kekura refused the accused bail and ordered for him to be remanded in prison.
Defense counsel informed the court with a souvenir that the accused is about to get married and refusing him bail will hinder his wedding.
“When I questioned the accused he said he did not receive a dime from anyone but that the money was given to the then Minister Mr. Suluku” Magistrate Sahr Kekura said, “but the evidence have proven otherwise which is why he has refused bail”.
The matter was adjourned to Friday, March 4, 2022.
By Alimatu Jalloh