Bank Manager Bailed in Le2 Million Makeni Fraud Case

Bank Manager Bailed in Le2 Million Makeni Fraud Case

In a high-profile case drawing considerable public scrutiny, Tamba Mani, the Branch Manager of Sky Bank Limited's Makeni branch, appeared before the Freetown Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, facing charges of theft and fraud involving over two million Leones.

The bank has formally accused Mr. Mani of the illicit embezzlement of a substantial sum from the institution's funds, constituting a serious breach of trust and corporate responsibility.

Appearing before Principal Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah, Mr. Mani was granted bail despite the gravity of the allegations.

He faces a four-count indictment: conspiracy to defraud, larceny by a servant, fraudulent embezzlement, and money laundering, each carrying severe penalties under Sierra Leonean legislation. The charges originate from an incident alleged to have occurred on 14 August 2025 at the Sky Bank Makeni branch in the Bombali District.

According to the official court documents, the indictment states that Mr. Mani, in his capacity as branch service manager, is alleged to have conspired with unknown individuals to misappropriate bank funds. Specifically, he stands accused of stealing 2,385,000 Leones and converting these monies for personal use, thereby contravening laws designed to protect financial institutions and combat financial crime.

During the proceedings, Prosecutor Inspector Mabel Tarawalie informed the court that key prosecution witnesses were not yet present. Defense Counsel W. Gaber renewed a previous application for bail on behalf of his client. Magistrate Jah subsequently granted bail, setting the amount at two million Leones, with two sureties of a similar value. The court mandated that the sureties must be Sierra Leonean residents within the jurisdiction, gainfully employed, over forty years of age, and approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.

The matter has been adjourned to 16 February 2026 for continuation, as the court proceeds with its examination of the allegations against the Sky Bank manager amid mounting public interest in the case's final resolution.