Court Jails Businessman Two Years for Le95,000 Palm Oil Fraud

Magistrate Soa Mamakoh Betty Kallon of Pademba Road Court No. 3 in Freetown has sentenced businessman Alex Conteh to two years in prison after he pleaded guilty to obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to police records, on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Spur Loop, Wilberforce, Conteh, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Ninety-Five Thousand Leones (Le95,000) from one Sankoh Koroma under the false pretext of purchasing palm oil on his behalf.

During court proceedings, Conteh admitted to the offence. Magistrate Kallon inquired whether any of his relatives were willing to repay the defrauded amount. The accused mentioned his sister, who, when called to testify, declined to make restitution, stating that she was “not there to pay the said money.”

In her ruling, Magistrate Kallon emphasized the seriousness of the offence and the need to deter similar conduct. She subsequently sentenced Conteh to two years’ imprisonment at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.