Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone — In a case stirring significant interest, Alusine Hudo Jalloh, Director of Pioneer Power Engineering Company SL Limited, testified against Zhou Wengie, a Chinese national and company shareholder, who appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on charges of forgery, uttering, and conspiracy to defraud.
During his testimony on November 6, 2024, Jalloh identified Wengie as a fellow shareholder and company manager, alleging that Wengie, without knowledge or consent from other shareholders, had opened an account at Rokel Commercial Bank and deposited company funds. “The account mandate includes signatures from past signatories, which the accused allegedly used to receive funds meant for Pioneer’s operations,” Jalloh stated, adding that billions of Leones had been channeled into this unauthorized account, diverting funds intended for the company’s Eco and Vista bank accounts.
Court documents reveal that on December 9, 2020, Wengie allegedly conspired to open this bank account using forged signatures of major shareholders Zhang Ke and Youg Yining. The prosecution claims these forged documents enabled him to establish the account at Rokel Commercial Bank, where substantial company funds were subsequently deposited and withdrawn, allegedly compromising Pioneer’s operational finances.
Defense attorney A.B. Jalloh questioned the authenticity of the forgery claims, suggesting it was possible for documents to be signed remotely. However, Jalloh countered, insisting that the signatures on the document were unauthorized. With the hearing adjourned to November 22, 2024, the case proceeds as the court examines the integrity of corporate procedures and the implications of unauthorized financial control within Pioneer Power Engineering Company.
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