Businessman Granted Le250,000 Bail in Alleged US$5,000 Tipper-Truck Fraud Case
A Freetown businessman accused of obtaining US$5,000 for a tipper truck he allegedly claimed to have for sale has been granted bail in the sum of Le250,000.
Joseph Alpha Mannah, 46, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1, facing charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences under Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act, 1916.
According to the charge sheet, Mannah allegedly conspired with persons unknown between May 24 and 31, 2026, in the Western Area to obtain money by false pretences.
The second count alleges that on June 1, 2026, in Magburaka, Tonkolili District, he obtained US$5,000 from Edward Alpha, stated in court to be equivalent to Le120,000. Prosecutors allege that Mannah falsely claimed to have an “8/14” tipper truck for sale, knowing that the claim was untrue.
No plea was taken as the matter is at the committal proceedings stage.
Prosecutor Inspector Kadie Taylor told the court that she had served defence counsel with copies of the case and inquiry file. Defence counsel Joshua A. Ansumana confirmed receipt and applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
Magistrate Jah granted Mannah bail in the sum of Le250,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be Sierra Leonean residents within the Freetown jurisdiction, and at least one must be employed or provide proof of business from a reputable organisation.
The bail conditions are subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The matter was adjourned to October 13, 2026, for further proceedings.
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