A Lebanese national and two other Sierra Leonean citizena have been  granted 2bn Leones bail in court.

Forty-nine-years-old, Sheku Kabba alias ID Card a miner, twenty-five years-old Tamba Lebbie, a  miner, twenty-eight- years- old, Sahr Lebbie which is also a miner and Fifty-four-years – old Jehad  Basma, a businessman and and a British national had made another appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown.

They stood on three count charges to wit conspiracy contrary to law, fraudulent embezzlement contrary to Section 17 (1) (b) of the Larceny Act 1916 and Receiving stolen goods contrary to Section 33 (1) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the particulars of offence on a date unknown between the 20th to 26th May 2024 in Moryonfeh village, Kamara Chiefdom in Kono the Eastern province with intent to defraud, they conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a a serious crime.

Count two further stated that the 1st, 2nd and third accused on the above date and place, they guys fraudulently embezzled one piece of diamond weighed two hundred and sixty four carats of an estimated value of Fort two million two hundred and forty thousand United States Dollars equivalent to one billion, three million and two hundred thousand Leones(1,003,200,000) which supposed to be possessed by one  Benjamin Merer.

Count three further stated that on the same date and place the fourth accused did receive one piece of diamond weighed two hundred and sixty four carats of an estimated value of forty two million two hundred and forty thousand United States Dollars equivalent to one billion, three million and two hundred thousand Leones(1,003,200,000) and it is the gem of  Benjamin Merer but which was a stolen and sold by the suspects.

When the matter was mentioned on CS 2113, the State Prosecutor Yusif Isaac Sesay, Esq said there are two matters before the Magistrate.

Magistrate Bangura granted the application in view of the submission of the prosecuting counsel and he discharge the accused.

He then mentioned CS 2199 which the prosecuting counsel Yusif Isaac Sesay, Esq applied for a short adjournment date because the third accused was absent in court.

Counsel representing the accused, Jessie M Jengo, Esq applied for bail for and on behalf of the accused.

The State prosecutor Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq objects to the above statement made by the defense counsel that the said matter was no longer before the court saying it is dead and buried. He further stated that circumstances change and so as human beings the fact was before him.

The four accused persons were charged and one was absent.

Magistrate Bangura said he has carefully listened to both prosecutors.

The matter was adjourned to the 16th August 2024.