Defense Challenges Evidence And Files No-Case Submission in $210,000 Gold Fraud Case

Defense counsel for Admire Frances Bio Jalloh and her husband, Dauda Jalloh, has filed a no-case submission at the Pademba Road Court No. 1, arguing that the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial involving alleged gold fraud totaling US$210,000.

Representing the accused, Melron C. Nicole Wilson contended that the charges were based on suspicion rather than concrete proof. Citing Section 113 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, Wilson urged Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah to dismiss the case, asserting that the evidence failed to meet the threshold for committal to the High Court.

The defense maintains that the transaction between the defendants and complainants Fanni Giuseppe and Alfio Siracusa was a legitimate business deal. According to Wilson, the defendants received payment and fulfilled their obligation by supplying three kilograms of gold. 

He further questioned the prosecution’s claims of a subsequent robbery, noting a lack of physical or digital evidence linking his clients to any theft.

The prosecution alleges that between August 10 and 14, 2025, the couple used a company called GAN Minerals Sierra Leone Limited to defraud the victims. The charges against them include conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses, money laundering, forgery, and operating without valid mineral permits.

In his rebuttal, Wilson pointed out inconsistencies regarding the forgery and tax evasion charges. 

He noted that the allegedly forged receipts were issued after payments had already been made and that the prosecution had not produced testimony from relevant mining authorities to prove the sale was unlicensed. 

Furthermore, the second defendant, Dauda Jalloh, produced passport and flight records to support his claim that he was not in Sierra Leone when the alleged transactions occurred.

Magistrate Jah adjourned the matter until August 13, 2026, to allow the prosecution to respond to the no-case submission. The court will then decide whether the couple will face trial or be discharged.