By Jeneba A Conteh
Three accused persons-John Amidu Conteh, Zainab Kamara and Fatmata Koroma are currently being preliminarily investigated on two count charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences contrary to law.
It was alleged that the accused between January 1st, 2021 to December 31st, 2022, at Luca Street, Freetown, with intent to defraud, conspired with other persons unknown to commit a crime to wit obtaining money by false pretences.
The accused were alleged to have obtained NLe88,000 from one Adikalie Kamara on January 1st on the pretext that they will facilitate the travelling of the said complainant.
Led in evidence,Adekalie Kamara, who identified himself as a student, said he knew the accused persons and recalled the above dates.
He recognised the 2nd accused as his college mate who informed him that he has someone that will facilitate his travelling to Australia and that he informed his parents.
“Two thousand five hundred United States Dollars was paid upfront to start the process and I made the payment to the 2nd accused,” he said.
The witness said after he had made all the payment, the accused didn’t issue any receipt to him and that the 2nd accused then told him that the process will finish in two weeks.
He further testified that visas were issued out on 27th August, 2022 through WhatsApp and he made the balance payment of two thousand New Leones.
He said the 2nd accused issued out a visa for them to travel in November and because it didn’t work “I made a report at Criminal Investigations Department headquarters in January after the 2nd accused failed to facilitate the program and didn’t refund the money.
At that juncture, the matter was adjourned to 28th April 2023 for cross examination.
