Twenty-two year old Osman Conteh a mason, made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown on a count charge of fraudulent conversion contrary to section 20 (1) (iv) (b) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the particulars of offence, on Wednesday 4th June, 2025 at Blackhall Road in the western area of Freetown, fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit certain property, that is to say, two Jerry cans or five gallons of cooking oil all to the total value of one thousand six hundred leones (1,600) entrusted to him by Isatu Turay for the purpose of delivery to Fatmata.

When the charge was read and explained to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sorie Conteh led Prosecution witness number one Isatu Turay, a trader recognized the accused person as her neighbor. She recalled on 4th June, 2025 on the above date, she was at her shop when something transpired between herself and the accused. The witness said in the afternoon hours, a customer called Fatmata, came to her shop and paid for six gallons of oil and after the payment; she called the accused in the presence of Fatmata and asked him to deliver the remaining oil to Fatmata and Amadu Jalloh. The witness furthered that Amadu Jalloh and Fatmata came to her shop and informed her that the accused has gone missing with the oil. The witness said she searched for the accused but couldn’t find him but said the accused was later found. She said when she asked the accused for the oil, he told her that he sold it. The witness said that she took him to Ross Road Police Station, noting that when the accused was searched, they found two hundred and eighty leones in his possession which he stated was the remaining money after he sold the oil. The two hundred and eighty leones has been in the custody of the police, the witness revealed, and that she made statement to the police.

The accused was not legally represented and cross examined the witness.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Fornah refused bail and sent the accused to the male correctional facility in Freetown and adjourned the matter to 25th June, 2025.