By: Alimatu Kargbo
Retired military personnel Lansana Kargbo has been dragged to court by one civilian Joseph Yamba Kamara for fraudulently converted to his own used and benefits over one hundred new Leones money given to him for safe keeping.
The retired military was arraigned before the court on a count charge of fraudulent conversation contrary to section 20(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The indictment state that retired military Lansana Kargbo on a date between 1 January and 31 December 2024 at Wilberforce in Freetown fraudulently converted to his own used and benefits the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand new Leones entrusted to him by Joseph Yamba Kamara on behalf of Rugiatu Sesay living in America for the purpose of safe keeping.
When the charge was read and explain to the defendant no plea was taken because of the quantum of money involved.
In his testimony, Joseph Yamba Kamara said he is an apprentice and said that he came to know the defendant through Rugiatu Sesay living in America.
He recalled the said date, adding that between those days Rugiatu bought a vehicle for transportation purpose and she handed the vehicle to them.
Joseph further that the driver of the vehicle is Sallieu and every week he was instructed by Rugiatu to give the defendant some amount of money for safe keeping so that they will be able to buy another vehicle for transportation.
The witness said every week he usually give the defendant seven thousand new Leones which has summed up to the total sum of one hundred and fifty thousand new Leones.
Witness Kamara further that the defendant did not buy the vehicle neither return the said money to them.
He said the matter was reported at the criminal investigation department Headquarters in March 2024 and the defendant went into hiding until August 2024 when he was arrested.
He ended that he made statement to the police.
The witness was cross examine by the defendant himself and he claim that the total amount of money given to him was one hundred and forty three Leones and not one hundred and fifty Leones.
The defendant was remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to the 13 October 2025 for continuation.
