Detective Police Constable (DPC) James M. Samai has on Monday 24th August 2020 testified against Mohammed Lance Kamara for allegedly conspiring with one ‘Aruna’ to dupe Ishmael Kanu of Le60 million for one Toyota 4Runner. Kamara was arraigned before Magistrate Hannah Bonnie at the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 on Pademba Road. Led in evidence by ASP Ibrahim Mansaray, witness James Samai attached to the Economic and Financial Fraud Unit at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Pademba Road, Freetown, said he recognised the accused. He recalled being on duty at the Commission of Inquiry Secretariat on 19th August 2019 when he received a distress call from the complainant alleging that he was being duped by the accused.
He said upon receipt of that call, he advised the complainant to report the matter at the CID. Not long after, he said the accused was arrested with the Toyota 4Runner and the matter was allocated to Detective Police Constable 9995 Thorley M for investigation. He said during the course of investigation, the complainant and witness, Kanu made a statement, adding he produced a photocopy of the Commerce and Mortgage Bank withdrawal slip of Le60 million dated 19th August 2019. The slip was then tendered in court to form part of the evidence. He said on 19th August 2019 he interviewed the accused observing the Judges’ Rule, and on 28th November 2019 charged him with the offence of conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences and causing money to be paid.
ASP Ibrahim Sheik Mansaray is prosecuting the matter.
The accused is on bail and the matter was adjourned to 4th September 2020.
By Sulaiman Karim Sesay