By SKS
Two lawyers, Maurice Sesay and John Mans, appeared in court on Monday 3rd August 2026, to face charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretenses related to a US$114,000 vehicle scam. The defendants made their initial court appearance yesterday at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah, facing serious charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretences. The defendants are alleged to have conspired with unknown accomplices between November 1 and November 30, 2023, at Harding Sesay and Partners Law Firm, located at No. 49 Dundas Street, Freetown.
According to the charge sheet, the accused purportedly devised a scheme to defraud a client, Bockarie Conteh, by unlawfully obtaining three Toyota 4Runner vehicles valued at US$114,000. Specifically, the second count alleges that on various dates within the same period, the accused persons falsely represented that they would pay for the vehicles within 30 working days. Relying on these false pretenses, Bockarie Conteh handed over the vehicles, believing they would be compensated, a belief the prosecution claims was knowingly false.
During the hearing, State Prosecutor Y.I. Sesay informed the court that this was the initial appearance for the matter. He stated that the prosecution had complied with Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act by serving the defence with the case file and requested an adjournment to prepare for trial, ensuring both sides are on equal footing. Counsel J.M. Jengo, representing the accused, applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act. He argued that both defendants reside within the court’s jurisdiction, have stable employment, and have been practicing law for over 11 years, with extensive experience in criminal prosecutions. Counsel emphasized their good conduct and suggested that refusing bail would result in unnecessary detention alongside individuals they have previously prosecuted, which could be prejudicial.
The first accused also reportedly suffers from health issues, prompting the defence to urge the court to grant bail. Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah, after considering the submissions, denied the bail application. The court ordered that both accused persons remain in custody until the prosecution presents its witnesses. The case was adjourned to August 10, 2026, for further hearing.
