By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown – On Monday 7, 2025, Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 ordered the remand of Ebuden Chukwu Augustine Essay, a Nigerian, for allegedly defrauding one Destiny Mentor Nwaokoro of $48,000 in a fraudulent gold transaction.
According to Inspector Ibrahim Bangura, the first prosecution witness led in evidence by Assistant Commissioner of Police Juan Bull, the accused, along with other unidentified individuals currently at large, deceived the complainant at Nexus Lodge Hotel, Hill Station in Freetown. They falsely claimed to possess two kilograms of gold bars for sale, leading to the loss of $48,000 by the complainant.
The accused is facing charges of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to the law, and causing money to be paid by means of fraud, in violation of Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charge sheet states that between 1st and 19th March 2025, at Nexus Lodge Hotel, the accused conspired with others, including Simeon Sankoh, to commit the fraudulent act. It is further alleged that they fraudulently caused Nwaokoro to pay the sum of $48,000—equivalent to NLe 1,152,000—to Simeon Sankoh and another individual identified as Alpha. They had falsely claimed ownership of two kilograms of gold, knowing their claim to be untrue.
Testimony from the Investigation
Inspector Bangura testified that he recognized both the complainant and the accused. He recalled that on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, while on duty at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, a case of fraud was reported. He served as the lead investigator and obtained statements from the complainant and other witnesses.
Bangura recounted that on Friday, 21st March 2025, he and DPC 13821 A.A. apprehended the accused at Basha, Wilkinson Road, Freetown. The accused was brought to CID headquarters, where voluntary caution statements were obtained in adherence to judicial protocols. These statements were presented in court as Exhibit A1-75.
On Wednesday, 26th March 2025, Bangura officially charged the accused with conspiracy to defraud and causing money to be paid through fraudulent means. The charge statements were also tendered as evidence.
Under cross-examination by defense counsel K. Turay, Inspector Bangura revealed that during the investigation, the accused mentioned several accomplices, including Simeon Sankoh, Anthony, Alpha (a worker at the National Mineral Agency), Allieu, and David. Bangura stated that efforts to contact these individuals were unsuccessful, as they remain at large.
When asked whether the complainant had met the accused and others in person, Bangura confirmed that Nwaokoro stated he had met them, despite being partially blind. The inspector also testified that while the alleged transaction occurred at Nexus Lodge Hotel, he did not visit the hotel as the complainant was hospitalized due to shock.
Bail Application and Ruling
Defense counsel Turay applied for bail pursuant to Section 79(2)(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965, arguing that the accused is married to a Sierra Leonean and has credible sureties who are Sierra Leoneans. Turay assured the court that the accused would not flee.
Prosecutor CPS Joan Bull opposed the bail request, citing the seriousness of the charges and the accused’s lack of a fixed address.
Magistrate Bangura denied the bail application, remanding the accused in prison. The case was adjourned to 15th April 2025 for continuation, with defense counsel expected to resume cross-examination at the next hearing.