Twenty-four year Isata Favour Benya, a travel agent at Findlay Travel Sierra Leone Limited made her first appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura of Pademba Road Court No.8 in Freetown on six count charges to wit conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law, and five count ranging from obtaining money by false pretence contrary to section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.

The particulars of offence indicated that on a date between 1st January and 14th May 2025, at #1 Alcock Street in the western area of Freetown conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a crime to wit obtaining money by false pretence.

Count two further stated that on the same date and place, the accused with intent to defraud obtained from Zainab Bangura the sum of one thousand three hundred United States dollars equivalent to thirty six thousand five hundred and forty leones (36,540) by falsely pretending that she would provide her an air ticket to travel to China through Ethiopia Airline knowing same to be false.

Count three further stated that on the same date and place, the accused person with intent to defraud obtained from Isha Conteh the sum of one thousand five hundred and ten United States dollars equivalent to thirty six thousand five hundred and forty Leones (36,540) by falsely pretending that she would provide her an air ticket to travel to China through Ethiopia Airline knowing same to be false.

In count four, the accused on the same date and place with intent to defraud obtained from Mary Lynch the sum of one thousand four hundred and ninety six United States dollars equivalent to thirty six thousand Leones (36,000) by falsely pretending that she would provide her an air ticket to travel to China through Ethiopia Airlines knowing same to be false

In count five on the same date and place, the accused with intent to defraud obtained from Isata Sesay the sum of one thousand five hundred and eighty five United States dollars equivalent to thirty eight thousand and two hundred Leones (38,200) by falsely pretending that she would provide her an air ticket to travel to China through Ethiopia Airlines knowing same to be false.

Count six further stated that on the same date and place, the accused with intent to defraud, obtained from Sheka Hamza Bangura the sum of one thousand four hundred United States dollars equivalent to thirty three thousand six hundred Leones (33,600) by falsely pretending that she would provide him an air ticket to travel to China through Ethiopia Airline knowing same to be false

When the charges were read and explained to the accused person, no plea taken

The prosecutor Detective Police Constable 14898 Joseph Lamin Dumbuya sought for a short adjournment date to lead his first witness.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Samura refused bail and sent the accused person to the female correctional facility in Freetown and matter adjourned to the 24th June, 2025