Anthony Turay, a businessman was again arraigned before Magistrate Adama Kandeh of Pademba Road Court No.4 in Freetown on a count charge of fraudulent conversion contrary to section 20 (i) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the particulars of offence, the defendant on diverse dates between 1st June 2017 and 31st December 2017, at back of Metzchem Goderich, in the western area of Freetown, fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit certain property that is to say, eight hundred and fifty (850) cement blocks valued thirty leones (Le30,000 ) and nineteen bags of cement valued one hundred and eighty leones Le180,000, all to the total value of twenty eight thousand nine hundred and twenty leones Le28,920,000 entrusted to him by Yusif Kamara for the purpose of safekeeping property of the said Yusif Kamara.

When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.

The Prosecutor Sergeant 10261 Kargbo K led in prosecution witness number three Fatmata Kamara a businesswoman who recognised the complainant as her husband and knew the defendant through him and do recalled on 31st June, 2017 and December 2017, when her husband gave him building materials for safekeeping.

Fatmata stated that her husband gave him 850 blocks, ten trip of sand and 19 bags of cement in front of her and the defendant promised to give it back whenever they need them, but failed.

She went on to say that three days later, they went to the site and saw the defendant carrying blocks on his head and asked him, but he promised he will return them whenever they need them, but failed to return them for years after his promise and the land was taken from them since they were unable to developed it.

Fatmata maintained that the defendant couldn’t be found at his residence, so they reported him at the Lumley police station and later made statement.

She furthered that the defendant promised to pay three thousand leones Le3,000 at the station, but failed to do so and they decided to bring the matter to court

The defense counsel A.G.M. Lukullay cross examined the defendant and applied for bail on his behalf.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Kandeh refused bail and sent him on remand to the male correctional center in Freetown.

The case has been adjourned to 31st October, 2025, for further proceedings.