By SKS
The ongoing preliminary investigation into the alleged US$210,000 gold fraud case involving Admire Frances Bio Jalloh, 45, and Dauda Jalloh alias Alhaji Dausy, 42, was on Monday adjourned after key witness testimony. Ibrahim Sesay, a driver attached to the complainants recounted his harrowing experience during the incident and was cross-examined before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1.
The driver, who was responsible for transporting the complainants, described how he recognized both accused persons and the complainants during his testimony. Sesay explained that he was initially employed by Abdulai Bah to work for Admire Frances Bio Jalloh and later received instructions from an individual named Buddy, the former Lebanese manager of Lagoonda Hotel, to drive the complainants to Mile 13. According to the witness, during the trip, they were intercepted by individuals dressed in military uniforms, Operational Support Division (OSD) uniforms, and plainclothes officers. The officers stopped the vehicle, knocked on the driver’s door, and conducted a search. The driver stated that the officer in front requested a Le20 banknote but did not witness any other items being taken from the vehicle. He also noted that Buddy later arrived at the scene, after which they proceeded to Adonkia Police Station, where he was invited to make a statement.
The accused persons are facing an 11-count charge including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, conspiracy to rob, money laundering, receiving money on a forged document, uttering a forged document, selling minerals without legal permission, and tax evasion. The allegations stem from a scheme to defraud Italian businessmen Fanni Giuseppe and Alfio Siracusa of US$210, by falsely claiming that GAN Minerals Sierra Leone Limited was a legitimate gold trading company.
The prosecution alleges that the accused obtained US$100,000 and US$110,000 from the complainants under false pretenses, with an additional US$15,000 purportedly paid as export taxes. Following the testimony, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah adjourned the case to 6th August 2026 for further proceedings. Bail was continued for both accused persons
