‘Okada Rider’ Remanded

By: Alimatu Kargbo

A 34 year -old Alimamy Kargbo alias Martin, a bike rider is standing before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.1  on one count charge of conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law.

According to the charge statement between the 26 January 2023 and 25 July 2023 at No.11 Beccles Lane Brookfield Freetown, the defendant Kargbo with intent to defraud conspired together with other person unknown and obtained the sum of Le175,000 (One hundred and seventy five thousand Leones) from Ansu Sesay with intent that he has a piece of two town lot of land situated and being at mile thirteen (13). knowing same to have being false

During the trail Sergeant 9939 Liah M prosecuting the matter led in court Ibrahim Koroma a Detective Police Sergeant 11701 Koroma M. attached at Criminal Investigative Department (CID) Headquarter.

He recalled that on the 25th July 2023, he  was on duty when the complainant arrived and reported a matter of fraud, together with his witnesses. He continued that on the same date, himself together with Detective Sergeant 5929 Tholley M. obtained a voluntary caution statement from the complainant.

Koroma told the court that the accused was cautioned and questioned in Krio by Tholly, and at the end of the statement it was read and explained to him, which he admitted to be true and correct. Detective Sergeant 5929 Tholley M. signed as the recorder while he signed as the witness.

He confirmed that the said statement was kept in police custody and was produced and tendered in court as Exhibits B1–11.

He Further that on the 29th July, himself together with Detective Sergeant 5929 Tholley M. cautioned and questioned the defendant in Krio, and the statement was recorded in English by Detective Sergeant Tholley M. The statement was read and explained to the accused, which he admitted to be true and correct by afflicting his right-hand thumbprint, after which Detective Sergeant Tholley M. signed as the recorder while he signed as the witness. The said statement was produced and tendered in court.

He concluded that on the 30th July, himself together with Detective Sergeant 5929 Tholley M charged the defendant with the offence of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses where the accused was cautioned and questioned in Krio by Detective Sergeant Tholley M. Which the accused agreed to be true and correct by afflicting his right-hand thumbprint. Detective Sergeant 5929 Tholley M signed as the recorder while he signed as the witness.

At a point, Defence counsel for the accused sought for a short adjournment date for proper conference with the accused.

Magistrate Jah remanded the accused in custody and the matter was adjourned to the 14th January 2026 for cross-examination.