Businessman Remanded Over Alleged Le311,000 Canadian Visa Scam

A 41-year-old businessman, Mohamed Nicol, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown following his appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 1.

Nicol is facing a charge of obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the particulars of the offence, the accused allegedly obtained a total sum of three hundred and eleven thousand leones (Le311,000) from one Victor Coker between January 1 and October 31, 2025, at No. 11 Alusine Street, Juba Hill in Freetown. Prosecutors alleged that Nicol, with intent to defraud, falsely claimed he could secure a Canadian visa and facilitate Coker’s travel to Canada, knowing the representation to be untrue.

When the charge was read and explained in court, the accused pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, called its first witness, Victor Coker, a contractor. In his testimony, Coker told the court that he was introduced to the accused by an individual identified as Desmond, also known as “The Gunners.” He stated that he and his wife, Mariatu Coker, paid Nicol the sum of Le311,000 as part of a purported visa arrangement.

Coker further testified that the accused had initially requested a total of 14,000 United States dollars to facilitate the visa process. The prosecution subsequently sought a short adjournment to continue proceedings.

Defence counsel, M.A. Kamara Esq., applied for bail on behalf of the accused, arguing that Nicol has reliable sureties with fixed addresses who are willing to enter into recognizance. Counsel also assured the court that the accused would not abscond, citing Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024.

However, Magistrate Fornah denied the bail application, citing the seriousness of the offence. The matter has been adjourned to April 22, 2026, for further hearing.